Thomas Jefferson Reeder

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Thomas Reeder Obituary

Thomas Jefferson Reeder

Thomas Jefferson Reeder was born the second son of Harmon S. Reeder and Ruth Smets Reeder at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma on March 2, 1925. The family moved shortly thereafter to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where Tom spent his youth attending elementary school and graduating from Bagley High School.

During World War II he joined the army and served on the European Front. After an honorable discharge he returned home and immediately enrolled in Northeastern College in Tahlequah where he completed his pre-law education. He then graduated from the University of Oklahoma law school in 1950.

Following graduation, Tom moved to Oregon, where his family now resided. He was a member of both the Oregon and Oklahoma bar. His first position in Oregon was in Salem, as an assistant attorney general for the state. He later moved to Medford where he ran for and was elected to the office of District Attorney for Jackson County. Following that, he established a private practice, retiring in 1993. He then served for three years at the Center for Non-Profit Legal Services.

Tom took an active interest in his community, serving on the School Board of District 549C, among other positions. He was active politically and served as Jackson County District Chairman for the Democratic Party. He was also quite proud of serving as Southern Oregon's chairman for Robert Kennedy's campaign for president.

Tom was a devoted reader of history and always interested in historical figures. He is best remembered for his keen love of jazz (particularly Miles Davis and Bill Evans); his fondness for a dry Martini and good conversation; his sense of humor; his slightly unorthodox golf swing and the many years he spent playing golf with his friends and sons; his love of gardening; and his joy in preparing marvelous meals for family and friends. He truly embraced life and will be missed not only by his family but by his many friends from all walks of life.

At Tom's request there will be no public memorial. A private internment has been held.

Tom is survived by his wife, of 55 years, Mary; their children, Thadd, Jefferson, Erich and Heidi; daughter-in-law, Elise and granddaughters, Gabriella and Haley. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Thomas Matthew and brother, Harmon. Surviving brothers and sisters are Gwen, Joel, Walter, Harry, Rob and Jane.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Non-Profit Legal Services, Inc. 225 West Main Street Medford, Oregon, zip code 97501.

Published by Mail Tribune on Jan. 10, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Reeder

12 Entries

May 15, 2020

You don't know you Thomas but you seemed like you were a great man and still loved.I jog up to your bench in Eastwood almost every day and spend 20 minutes with you looking at the beautiful world we live in. Thank you Mr Reeder

Patrick Repellin

February 5, 2007

Even a french cowboy knows about mister Tom.What to say?
Little apéritif,nice food with good talking,then out in the garden looking at the stars,smoking cigarettes & appreciating a glass of gin & tonic.wasn't it a nice way of life?
Good-bye Tom.
What i enjoy the more in this housse , is the tv in the cave.
My heart with you my friends , Erich , Jeff , Heidi , Thad & Mary.

Robyn Tarbell

January 25, 2007

With my deepest sympathy to the entire family and friends.

Howard Thomas

January 23, 2007

I will always remember my cousin, TJ with great fondness. I have wonderful memories of our meetings in Tahlequah, Glendale, CA and Portland. My prayers and thoughts are with TJ and his family - I mourn with them.

Lynda Campbell

January 20, 2007

Reeder Family, Wishing you peace at this time of sorrow. May the many fond memories you shared comfort your family. My prayers are with your family. From your California Cousin, Lynda (Thomas) Campbell (grand-daughter of Agnes Smets Thomas and Claude Thomas)

lesley wildfong

January 14, 2007

I never knew what a yellow dog democrat was until Aunt Jane explained it to me - but clearly Uncle TJ was one of the best! The world will miss him.
love - Lesley and Rick

Barto Watkins

January 12, 2007

I remember Mr. Reeder as the kind neighbor who once found our lost cat and who would always chat with us kids as we passed his house on our way to Roosevelt grade school.
My thoughts are with the Reeder family.

Scott Sisemore

January 11, 2007

The Reeder residence was the first place I ever saw an adult male play a role in preparing family meals. For me, in my early twenties, that was quite an eye-opener. Tom gracefully planned meals, shopped for groceries and prepared the food. Wow! The food actually tasted good, too. That a male could do any of these activities was a new paradigm for me.

Coming from a family where meals were eaten on bar stools, TV blaring, it was utterly fascinating for me to be included in a Reeder family meal. People sat down at a table and actually talked to one another. Tom and Mary fostered an environment where young people were encouraged to converse and debate about sports, politics, etc. Never had I seen anything like this before… Not to mention the nice jazz selections playing quietly in the background.

I like to think that Tom showed a handful of beer lusting, wanna-be punk rockers a thing or two about the good life. There weren’t too many other households in southern Oregon where the patriarch relaxed before meals on the deck with his lovely wife. His grace certainly rubbed off on me. I learned how to prepare a decent gin and tonic. More importantly, how to enjoy it: slowly, with family and friends before a heartfelt home-cooked meal.

Reeder family mealtime rituals didn’t sink in with me immediately. Only slowly have they been incorporated into my own life and my family’s life. Yet, I will always remember where I learned that a guy can shop, cook, and set a relaxed tone where everyone feels included, important and welcome: 41 Eastwood Drive, Medford, Oregon.

Michael Grossman

January 11, 2007

Dear Reeder Family,
Tom raised a son who became one of my favorite people in life. Obviously Erich came from good stock as Tom's spirit is brightly shown in him. I had the pleasure of being invited into your Medford home a few years ago. Tom made a fantastic dinner and we drank and laughed. They say life is about having a good time and being happy. I think he accomplished his mission. Thank you for giving me the gift of being able to meet him. My deep condolences go out to Erich, Thad, Jeff, Hiedi and your mom.

Sheryl Reeder

January 10, 2007

Dearest Reeders, Oh, how I will miss Uncle Tom ~ he was such a character, and he certainly knew how to make people laugh (a wonderful Reeder trait!) I remember with such fondness how dinner was always at the dining room table, and always with candles burning bright! God bless each of you. Love, Sheryl Reeder

Loretta Owens

January 10, 2007

Tom--I will miss your dry sense of humor and wonderful laugh. You and I had many conversations and I think you appreciated my sense of humor too! God Bless You! Loretta

Steve Weitman

January 10, 2007

As a man who I remember to have strong family values and believed in family unity at the dinner table.
My thoughts are with you.

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