Tristan M. Clinger

Sgt. Tristan M. Clinger, age 28, of Lakehurst, NJ, passed away on December 26, 2015 in New Jersey.

Tristan was born on October 23, 1987 in Marion, Ohio, to MGySgt., Ret., Daniel and Darlene (Tiell) Clinger, who survive in Xenia, Ohio. He married Rachel Self on January 24, 2011 in Leonardtown, Maryland, and she survives in Lakehurst, NJ.

He is also survived by his 3 children Alice, Ellsie, and Bearett Clinger, three sisters, Tianna of San Diego, Kieren and Kiersten at home, Paternal grandparents, Ronald and Joanne Clinger of Larue, Maternal grandmother, Mary Tiell of Upper Sandusky, and in-laws, Donald and Kathy Self of Louisville, KY.

Preceding him in death were a brother, Keegan Clinger and paternal grandfather, Clarence Tiell.

Prior to enlisting in the Marines, Tristan graduated from Fern Creek High School in Louisville, KY in 2006 and attended the University of Louisville Art Institute. After enlisting, he became a CH-53E helicopter mechanic for the Marine Corps.

Tristan lived a short but very full life. He was adventurous, free spirited and was fortunate to have traveled many places, experiencing many different terrains, foods, and cultures. He loved getting the opportunity to do just that.

He was passionate and fiercely dedicated to his family and was most proud of the family he had made for himself. He was a tremendous husband and father and put all of himself into being so for his wife and 3 children. He worked hard and made any sacrifices necessary to provide and protect his family, but more importantly, he was attentive and gave them his time. No matter how long and hard his day was, he'd come home with a smile and hug to his wife and help take care of and play with his kids. Tristan had a special way of showing his children the wonders of the world through his own eyes.

Along with being a wonderful son and brother, he was a very passionate person putting all he was into anything he was doing. Although he dabbled in many forms of art and somehow seemed to be brilliant at anything he tried, he favored art, photography and ceramics. He also did a lot of skateboarding in his younger years, a passion that followed him throughout his life.

Tristan was a person who seemed to be able to fix just about anything, regardless of whether he had the right materials to do so. He was excellent at his job with the Marine Corps. He worked hard, treacherous hours and labored to fix the helicopters for his squadron. He was often referred to as their "go to" mechanic and they knew if the job was going to be done right, he wouldn't stop until it was. That is simply the type of man he was.

Tristan had many hobbies. He was always reading, learning and trying new things. He loved art, music, dancing cooking, and what a cook he was! He especially loved making whatever he could with his own two hands and seemed to be good at anything new. He loved being outdoors, hiking, camping, and fishing, and knew how to be one with nature.

Some people spend their life searching for a type of love they never quite find, but he had found it. He had it, he shared it and it was his most prized possession...his family.

Funeral services Sgt. Tristan M. Clinger will be held at 4:00 pm Friday, January 8, 2016 at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Military Rites will follow the services and will be conducted by the Marine Corps funeral detail and Upper Sandusky Color Guard.

Family and friends will be received from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Friday, January 8, 2016 at Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to The Tristan M. Clinger children's education fund in care of Lucas-Batton Funeral Home or the Suicide National Hotline at Suicide.org, 122 I St., Chula Vista, CA 91910 or http://www.suicide.org/donate.html. Memoials can be sent to Lucas-Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.