John Thomas 'Tom' Reid
John Thomas 'Tom' Reid, U.S.
magistrate judge, died Sunday (Nov. 16, 2008) in his home, surrounded by his
wife and daughters. He was 79 years old. Tom was born July 4, 1929, in Newton.
He always appreciated the fact so many people took the day off work and even
bought fireworks to celebrate his birthday. After serving in the infantry of
the U.S. Army (including a particularly cold stint in Alaska), Tom returned to
Newton, later graduating from Wichita State University (B.A.) in 1955 and
Washburn University School of Law (LL.B.) in 1958.
He married Sharon Joanne Gray
on Feb. 1, 1958.
Tom considered Newton - the
place where he was born and raised, in which he lived in three houses (all on
the same street), and through which he walked thousands of miles with his
friend Merrill Raber - the center of the United States. As an active civic
leader, he helped establish and then served on the Newton Fair Housing Board
and also served on the Newton Recreation Commission, Newton Library Board and
Newton City Commission (including serving as mayor).
He also served the community
both as a lawyer (solo practice, 1958 to 1961; Morgan & Reid, 1967 to 1980;
Harvey County attorney, 1971 to 1975; Sedgwick School Board attorney, 1970
to1974; Sedgwick city attorney, 1974 to 1980, 1984 to 1985; Harvey County
counselor, 1984 to 1985) and as a judge (Newton municipal judge, 1959 to 1961;
Harvey County probate/juvenile judge, 1961 to 1967; Kansas District Court
judge, ninth judicial district, 1980 to 1984).
In 1984, Tom resumed serving
his country, assuming the job of part-time U.S. magistrate, a role he managed
to parlay into a full-time position one year later and in which he continued to
serve until the end.
Tom is survived by his wife
of 50 years, Sharon; two daughters, Jennifer Reid (Todd Tedesco) of Andover and
Amy (Bob) Schell of Centennial, Colo.; four grandchildren, Madison
Reid-Tedesco, Conor Reid-Tedesco, Elizabeth Schell, and Jack Schell; his
brother-in-law, John Gray of the home; and extended family too numerous to list
(about whom he thought and spoke of fondly throughout his years).
He was preceded in death by
his three older siblings and his parents.
Rosary and visitation will be
Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, and funeral Mass will be Thursday
at St. Mary's Church, 106 E. Eighth St. in Newton. Times will be announced
later.
Memorials can be sent in care
of Petersen Family Funeral Home to benefit Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and the
St. Mary School Building Fund.
