John Thomas Reid

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.