Tommy Lee Reed

Obituary for Tommy Lee Reed Tommy Lee Reed, age 89, passed away on August 2, 2025 at his home in Palm Desert, surrounded by his family. Born on March 23, 1936, in Weeping Water, Nebraska, Tom lived a full life. He is now reunited with the love of his life, Rose Marie (Zvonek) Reed (12/25/1933-2/22/2018). Rose passed away months short of their 60th wedding anniversary. Tommy moved to California as a very young boy with his parents, Lyle "Ike" Reed and Vivian "Bib" (Newham) Reed. Tom leaves his children, Suzie Davis, Brett Reed, and Devon Fenske, ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, Danielle Caluwaerts, Jeff Fenske, Mary Zvonek, Betty Zvonek, Carl Alexen and families. We all hope to carry on his spirit with love and laughter. In addition to his wife Rose and his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Sharon and many dear friends and members of the Zvonek family. Tom and Rose initially made their home in Norwalk and various locations in Orange County, California. In the late 70s they moved to the Bay Area before returning to Orange County, and found a little piece of heaven with a second home in Palm Desert in the 80s and 90s, playing tennis and otherwise holding court with friends at the Silver Sands Racquet Club. Their grape-harvest Greek BBQs were memorable, complete with belly dancers and all the grilled lamb you could eat. Tom and Rose also enjoyed many years at Cowans Ford Country Club in North Carolina, where Tommy was jokingly called "Dirty Tom" by friends and poker playing buddies. Professionally, Tommy was a dedicated and respected leader. He started as a union electrician in IBEW Local 11 in September 1955 and was proud of that 70 year affiliation. He worked his way up and served as Vice President, Operations of Kirkwood Electric, earning the nickname "the Nail" for his unwavering standards. His time in the Bay Area supported business expansion, where Tom and Rose enjoyed living in Orinda. After retirement, Tom found his way back to work for several years with Automated Doors in Seattle, helping a very close friend and enjoying the Northwest with Rose. Beyond his career, Tommy lived life with great enthusiasm. An avid lifetime sportsman, he enjoyed tennis and subsequently golf. "Tomas" was passionate about fishing, and took many trips to the Eastern Sierra (Taboose Creek!) and Loreto, Mexico (where he enjoyed being considered by some an "honorary mayor" of the small village). Tommy also had a taste for excitement and owned several racehorses, loved playing poker, cribbage, and could often be found enjoying the thrill of the track, Las Vegas, or the local casinos in Coachella Valley. Tommy's charm, contagious smile, quick wit, loyalty, and larger-than-life personality left an imprint on everyone he met. He never shied away from adventure. At the very end, he was actively focused on trying to help friends and family members. A private family gathering will be held to honor his life. In his memory, raise a glass, share a story, place a bet, or cast a line, just as Tom would have wanted.