Born: Syracuse, New York - April 16, 1923
Murdered: Dallas, Texas - November 12, 1983
Thomas Clancy Sr. had been missing for several days before he was found dead in the trunk of his car on Nov 15, 1983. He was last seen visiting his critically ill daughter at Medical City in Dallas in the early hours of November 12. The Dallas medical examiner reported that he was likely killed early that same Saturday morning. He had been shot once in the back left side of his head with a medium caliber weapon, never found. The bullet, never recovered, had exited the front right side of his head. One of his sons said he found his father's 1982 Cadillac in the front parking lot of the Anatole Hotel on Industrial Boulevard (now Riverfront Boulevard), across the street from the Marriott’s Clancy’s Saloon restaurant. Thomas Clancy Sr. had been to the restaurant the night of Nov. 11, but he was not registered at the hotel. His car trunk floor had been lined with newspapers and his body was lying on top of them. His hands had been crossed and he was in his typical sleep clothing (boxers shorts and socks). Clearly missing was a small gold initial ring which had for years been too difficult to remove so its absence left a pale indentation. His Rolex (President 18K oyster #5148827) and a gold ID bracelet were reported stolen as well.
Thomas R. Clancy Sr. (Dick) was the 6th of 14 children, born in 1923 in the hamlet of Split Rock, NY, and he was raised in poverty in upstate New York during the Depression. When he enlisted in the Army Air Corp during WWII, he took a test that qualified him for pilot training, and he was assigned to fly B17s. His plane, Clancy's Crew, was based in Italy at the Foggia Airfield Complex; from there he flew over 40 bombing missions and survived 2 plane crashes. He joked that he was so seasick on the voyage to Italy that he had to become one of the best pilots, because only the best were assigned to fly the Flying Fortresses home when the war ended. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and flew his plane home. See Plane Details and Image
He married Jane Carson of Syracuse NY in 1943; their marriage lasted over 30 years and they had 12 children. He left the regular Air Force in 1950 to work as a salesman. But he stayed in the Air Force Reserve, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He moved most of his family to Texas in 1966, where he bought the Salvage Center of Dallas on Industrial Boulevard, and ran it successfully for 15 years before selling the business to his sons and buying an insurance agency. He married his second wife, Jonneth Dunson of Stephenville TX, in 1981. He was delighted to renew his pilot license, and was teaching his oldest grandson how to fly shortly before his murder in 1983.
Thomas Clancy Sr. was born to be a dad, a pilot and a salesman. He was a thoughtful man, intelligent, determined, moral, and caring. He was also lots of fun, and he absolutely never met a stranger. He was the kind of man who bought toys and shoes in stores for children he didn't even know, who bypassed the quick car lanes to drive to the toll booth staffed by a person just to be able to greet them, then paid the tolls for the people behind him. He donated more than he could afford to rebuild damaged churches, paid bail when he heard on the news that a woman was arrested for stealing socks for her kids at Christmastime, bought treats for all the kids standing around wishing at ice cream trucks. He paid the bill anonymously in a restaurant after hearing two elderly women worrying they couldn't afford their meal. He taught his kids to swim and drove them to the beach for vacations. But he actually didn't like the sand at the beach, and stayed in his car reading so that they could enjoy themselves. He loved making pancakes for Sunday dinner, drinking cold root beer, eating steak when he finally could afford to. But he loved nothing more than getting together with his family and friends. He just really loved living. He was murdered in 1983, when he was 60 years old.
$10,000 REWARD
In November of 2023, it will be 40 years since he was killed. He loved everything about living in Dallas, so it is especially sad that the Dallas police have been unable to solve his murder. Twenty years ago, the Vidocq Society offered to help; they are pro bono cold case forensics experts who offer assistance to law enforcement agencies. But their assistance was refused by the Dallas Police Department, who still claimed they would be able to solve this crime. But now another 20 years have passed. The 2 people of interest noted in his murder file (his second wife, and his son who found the car) have both died.
A reward of $10,000 for information leading to his murder case being declared officially closed is being offered. Anyone with information about any of the circumstances surrounding his death can know that the statutes of limitations for anything that happened 40 years ago, except his actual murder, have long run out.
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.12.htm#12.01
Project Cold Case is now investigating. See the story on their website:
https://projectcoldcase.org/2024/04/08/thomas-clancy-sr/
The family isn't seeking an arrest or conviction any longer, just a resolution. If you have any information about the murder of Thomas R. Clancy Sr, please contact us through this website (at the bottom of page).
Or contact the Dallas Police at:
Tips may also be left anonymously through the Crime Stoppers Hotline:
Phone: (877) 373-TIPS (8477)
Email: http://www.ntcc.crimestoppersweb.com
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