Thomas "Tom" Reed

1931 - 2023

Thomas "Tom" Reed

November 27, 1931 - August 9, 2023

Fair Oaks, California - Sacramento, CA native and longtime Fair Oaks, CA resident, Thomas Frank (Tom) Reed, 91, joined his Lord and Savior, and his wife, May, in heaven on August 9, 2023, in Roseville, CA, after a brief time in hospice care.

Tom was born November 27, 1931 in Sacramento, CA, the son of the late Thomas Frank (Tommy) and Lulu Thompson Reed. From early childhood and throughout his life, Tom was affectionately known by family and close friends as Buzz.

Tom grew up in the Midtown area of Sacramento, and attended Sacramento High School, where he played baseball and football. In 1949, at age 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, retiring at the rank of Captain in 1970.

Tom met his bride-to-be in 1955, Mabel "May" Morrow, also a Sacramento native. They were married in 1956, and began their military life together. Children, Susan and Michael, were born over the next few years, completing their family.

Tom took great honor in his service as a U.S. Marine, which took his family to Oceanside, CA, Brooklyn, NY, and San Diego, CA. During overseas assignments, his family lived in the Sacramento area to be near relatives. After retirement from the Marine Corps, Buzz and May relocated back to the Sacramento area, purchasing their forever home in 1971, in Fair Oaks. Tom soon began work with Cobbledick Kibbe Glass Co., Meals on Wheels, and finally landed at Paratransit, where he was a driver for 32 years, retiring in 2012 at age 81.

Tom's character, discipline, and dedication as a Marine carried over into civilian life. He was esteemed by all who knew him as kind and compassionate, an honest and hardworking man, extremely humble, and always willing to serve others. His family deeply respected his integrity, and his lifetime of selfless dedication to them.

Tom had a wonderful sense of humor, laughing so hard at times he was unable to speak for minutes. He was known to spontaneously break out singing a verse or two from a song from his past, always a new one, to the amazement of his family. Tom was an avid reader, never without a book nearby; lifelong Oakland A's fan; enthusiastic gardener, patiently waiting for the seasons first tomatoes and blooms; expert angler and fly tyer, especially enjoying the streams and rivers of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, including the beautiful Downiville area; and a lifetime animal lover.

Buzz and May enjoyed cooking together, he became the bread baker of the family. Together they loved and cared for countless dogs and cats over the years, many were rescues and strays. Tom absolutely adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved attending their sporting events and performances over the years. Tom had become a friend, confidante and valued mentor to his children. He will be deeply missed and loved always.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan Reed Brandt, of Roseville CA; son, Michael J Reed, of Fair Oaks, CA; grandchildren, Alexander Brandt; Rebecca (Brandt) Reed, and husband, Noah; Derek Brandt, and wife, Sarah; and Stephanie Mariano; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mabel Ann (Morrow) Reed; his parents; sisters, Charlotte Hoblitzell Muse of Vienna, WV; Corrine Sargent of Sacramento, CA; Tommie Lou Renney of Placerville, CA; and son-in-law Geoffrey Brandt of Roseville, CA.

Amazing Grace! How Sweet The Sound!

An interment service and military honors will be held on October 12, 2023, 9:30 a.m. promptly, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA.