Thomas L "Tom" Reed

Thomas L Reed, 75, a lifelong resident of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 27, 2018.

Tom was born to the late Donald and Alyce Reed, and married Linda Stuckman on March 14, 1964 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Elkhart.

Along with his wife, Linda, survivors include his daughter Jody (Dan) McDonough, son Jason (Angie) Reed, grandsons Steven Reed, Brady Reed, Matthew McDonough, and Samuel McDonough, as well as a sister-in-law Suzan Stuckman.

Preceding him in death is a son Jamie Lyn, and brother Timothy Reed.

Tom may be remembered by some in the 60’s for owning a 1955 Chevy named Bad Jose, which was featured in Popular Hot Rodding magazine, and took the Competition Eliminator at the first Popular Hot Rodding Championship.

In 1964 Tom graduated from Hobart School of welding in Troy, OH earning numerous certifications.  He worked on blue printing and fabrication of punch presses for over 30 years at Federal Press, Central States and Mishawaka Steel.  While at Central States he was the only employee to pass the Navy test for repair of a submarine ballast.

In 2002 he went to work for AM General H2, becoming a member of UAW Local belonging to International Union of UAW Welders and held an Allied Trades Journeyman Card.  He retired in 2007.

Tom & Linda enjoyed traveling through the US and Europe, along with their cousins and traveling companions of 30 years David and Marcie Clark.  Driving and back-packing trips through England, Scotland and Ireland were amongst his favorite.  One of his fondest memories was sneaking onto the putting green at St. Andrews Golf Course in Scotland in the middle of a rain storm.  He loved golfing with his son, Jason, and grandsons Steven, Matthew and Brady, Lake Trout fishing on Drummond Island with grandson Sam, and taking Father’s Day trips with his daughter Jody to New Buffalo, always stopping for lunch at Casey’s Pub.  He enjoyed being with his grandsons and was a constant presence in their endeavors in both school and sporting events.  He was a kind and understanding man who enjoyed his friends, children and grandchildren, and cherished his lifetime friend, companion and soulmate Linda.

Tom was a lifelong member of St Thomas the Apostle Church, and a 3rd degree member of the Elkhart Knights of Columbus-Council #1043. 

Visitation will at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart on Thursday, August 30, from 6-8 pm, with a rosary immediately following.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am., Friday, August 31, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St. Elkhart. Reverend Jason Freiburger will officiate.   Cremation was chosen and will follow the service, with private burial at St. Vincent Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family request memorial contributions to St. Thomas Church or Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

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