Thomas J. Reed

Thomas J Reed was born in 1948, as the only child of Jim and Dot Reed. He grew up on large, remote ranches that his father managed and there he learned the independence and work ethic necessary for ranching and success in life.

Tom was born with a charismatic personality that attracted people. When he entered a room people naturally migrated to him for his easy-going style, funny stories, and good-hearted jabs. He had a God given gift for diffusing difficult situations and was treasured by the family for always getting along with difficult family members and making them laugh. He was a natural peacemaker. 

Tom married Donna Behringer in 1982, and they began their journey full of adventure, love and laughter. In 1985, their daughter Lacy was born, and their lives became focused on providing a solid Christian-based home for her. Family was very important to Tom and he was a devoted father and husband, always putting their needs ahead of his own. He & Donna took care of his mother when his father passed away, then also took care of Donna’s parents. One of Tom’s greatest joys was becoming a grandfather to Ezra and Eliza, who called him “Grand Daddy.” 

Tom enjoyed people and made it his job to make them smile. He loved going to the bank, grocery store, and gas station meeting people then always calling them by name to thank them for their job. 

Tom felt extremely lucky to have the job he loved most in life, which was working for ABC Supply. He started in the warehouse and worked his way up to being a successful Manager, Managing Partner & President’s Club Member. Most importantly, he valued the friendships he made. His co-workers became part of his family, and he was grateful to work with such great people.

Tom and Donna moved to New Mexico to take care of Donna’s parents, as well as help with their antique business called “The Behr Barn.” Tom was a popular figure there, making people feel welcome and turning first-time customers into regular, long-term customers & friends.

Tom’s last great testimony was in the way he faced death. He was able to set an extraordinary example of what it meant to truly believe in Christ  - to everyone in the hospital that was caring for him. He reassured us that he was ready to be with Jesus and welcoming the opportunity to meet Jesus face to face. Our grief of losing him is overshadowed by the joy of knowing he is safe with Jesus in Heaven. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents James M. Reed and Dorothy Heyen Reed; in-laws A.A. Jr. Behringer and Connie Chitwood Behringer; Uncle Glenn Matthews and favorite cousins Bill Stirman and Tracy Matthews Healey.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Donna; daughter Lacy and husband Zach, and his two granddaughters Ezra and Eliza. His Aunt LaDon Matthews, Sister-in-law Cindy Vannatta, nephews and nieces: Tommy and Mandy Vannatta, Travis and Audrae Vannatta, Trey and Delani Vannatta, cousins Terry and Pat Matthews and Shannon Barfield, and many great-nephews and nieces. Special Thanks to life-long friends Larry and Phyllis Blackwood; as well as Dan and Suzi Hildman, Diana Vasquez, Kathi Ragan and Kathleen Plemons. He is also survived by his ABC Supply Family where he shared making memories and valuable friendships along the way. 

A graveside service will be held at Crawford Cemetery in Crawford, Texas on December 16^th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. (479 Jewell Patton Drive Crawford, TX 76638) with Brother Larry Blackwood officiating.

Expressions of sympathy in remembrance of Tom, and in lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to The Boys Ranch (600 SW 11th Ave. Amarillo, TX 79101) or online www.calfarley.org