SAN DIEGO, CA - Springfield native Thomas Edward Rees, pioneer in the development and installation of the world's first pod-based instrumented air combat maneuvering system (ACMI) designed to track and record the performance of pilots during simulated dogfights, and featured in the movie Top Gun, died June 19th at his home in San Diego County. He was 83.

Tom, the eldest son of Robert and Sarah Rees, was named after his great uncle, publisher of the Illinois State Register and benefactor to the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon in Washington Park. After attending Springfield High School, Tom joined the Navy, and relocated to San Diego. He was a decorated Korean War veteran, serving aboard the USS Badoeng Strait. Upon completion of military service he joined Cubic Corporation, where he worked in various locations nationally and internationally, for nearly five decades until retirement.

Mr. Rees' survivors include his devoted wife, Judy; his sister, Judith (formerly of Springfield); daughter, Janine; son, Daniel; and four grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Genevieve Kaercher (also from Springfield); and his brother, David.

The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to: Veterans Association North County, P.O. Box 3046, Oceanside, CA 92051-3046. Online contributions can be made through their website at: www.vancnorthcounty.org/support-vanc.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register from Jul. 19 to Jul. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas REES

46 Entries

Sandi Star

July 13, 2025

We miss you Tom. xo Mark and Sandi

Judy Rees

July 13, 2023

I visited Miramar National Cemetary and reminisced about the sound of the jets and your expression. "Ah The sound of Freedom". Saw the recent movie of "Top Gun" and ran into Tom Cruise's double and reminisced some more. Seka is fine and just celebrated 13 years at the Rees homestead. You are missed.

Judy

July 13, 2022

Missing you. Seka just turned 12 years old. She is the sweetest companion for me. You were sure right about having a pet as she was not only a great "nurse puppy" for you but a great pal for me. Love always, Judy

Judy Rees

July 13, 2021

If I could, I would let Tom know that my 2011 Kia is running along beautifully.
Tom, Knowing my safety is important to you, I was not really surprised that when in the fall of 2014, I went out and bought a used car without you. In the morning of next day, while looking it over, I found the license plate to read "6TOM772". I was so glad to have your approval.
The children and grands are fine but I am alone now as Mom, Dad, Brother and Sister have joined you in heaven.
Miss talking with you. Your loving Wife, Judy

August 6, 2014

Judy, remember, those we love are always alive again, every time we think of them. Love, Jane

August 3, 2014

Tom Rees is my absolute favorite person from my Cubic days. I was fortunate to work with Tom for an extended time in Okinawa, as well as periodically in Korea and in San Diego. He not only was a patient and kind mentor, but was tons of fun at the O-Club after work. Life moved on, I married John and left Cubic to become a teacher and Tom married Judy (which was the best match every made!) and eventually retired from Cubic. It has been many years since Tom and Judy and John and I have gotten together, but Tom remained an important person in my life. I was deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing and want to wish Judy and the rest of the family my deepest condolences.

I have to share one conversation that I had with Tom at the Kadena O-Club around 1986 or 1987. Tom was considering a major life change at the time and we were discussing what that meant for his future. He bluntly stated that he did not know how long he had left in life, but he expected that he had at least 15 years left (now, that's engineer analysis). He said that he wanted to be happy for what time he had remaining, so he was going forward with the decision he had made. He stepped forward in faith, and found Judy. I've lost track of how many years it's been since their wedding aboard the Bahia Belle, but it was more than 15 years ago. He found his happiness with Judy.

Love and Blessings,
Karen Nelson Bryan

July 29, 2014

Heart felt sympathies from Chuck and Lorrie Rhoades. Originally met Tom in 1960 at Cubic and many years thereafter. Extremely dedicated and pleasant to work with. First major job relates to Johnson Island.

Tom & friendly guy in Livorno, Italy

Judy Rees

July 28, 2014

Judy Rees

July 28, 2014

After spending a month with my Cousins Don and Dang in Thailand, we all agreed we would plan our next vacation for trip back to Italy for their son's wedding.

Tom made arrangements to fly into Florence and hire a driver to take us 50 miles out into the country to the Castle where the event will be held. We wrapped up the 4 day event with so much fun under our belts, we could barely stand it… But next ……………was a trip to the Island of Sardinia to revisit some of Tom's old haunts from the ACMI days. The plan was to take a train to Livorno and then a ferry to Olbia to rent a car, and drive around the island.

The train ride was great and we met this “old codger” on the train that knew all about the best hotels near the ferry station to stay to get up for an early morning departure. Turns out this old guy also knew all of the bars in town that served free food for their cocktail hours..

Well after the evening with him we fell into bed and it occurred to me that we had an early call and NO way, no alarm to be awaken for the important ferry.. With a car waiting and a 5 star hotel in Costa Smeralda on the water, I was nervous meeting the all important deadline..

I made a deal with Tom and took his wrist watch… I would stay awake half of the night and he would take the 2nd shift. Well needless to say, I did my part, woke Tom up and handed him the watch only to awaken within a few minutes with loud snoring!!!! Anyway, we made the ferry and got to our car and he drove to this awesome Hotel and all was forgiven that evening after a glass of Champaign together.

Our trip took us around the Island with a remarkable stay at a little town on the south of the island Oristano and then on to Calgiri and a trip into the Mountains to a bar in Sorgomo and then to see the ACMI Towers and a lot of sheep herders.

We had many vacations traveling around the world but looking back, this one was top.

Henri Bigo

July 28, 2014

Dan, that was a very impressive story of your Dad's life that you posted here.

I met Tom Rees three times, once on Catalina Blvd in 1979, once in Korea in 1983, and finally in San Diego in 2011. In 1979 Dan invited me to his home from the Air Force Academy, where we had been roommates. I was thrilled to meet his Dad, especially after having studied engineering for a few years, so that I could appreciate the depth of his theoretical knowledge, but even more so, the way he was able to translate that into practical terms, and apply it to everyday situations. An engineering approach to life need not mean nerdly or arid, but rather can connote clear-headed and adventurous. Tom thrilled me because I could sense he was a window into the fabled southern California aerospace industry from which so much magic emanated, and which, I believe, did a lot to make southern California prosperous. He seemed to have a wry, mischievous streak, a bit irreverent, and thus to be able to look at situations from a new angle. My ideal of the practicing engineer, and, in view of the anecdotes Dan provides above, including a generous dose of Indiana Jones. I went off to fly the F-4 and was surprised to run into Tom four years later in Korea, where he was installing ACMI off the coast, which, as Dan mentions, involved some dangerous dancing on buoys. I thought ACMI was such a great product, allowing you to re-live your dogfight and study your mistakes, and helping to attenuate the well-known phenomenon among fighter pilots that whoever wins the debrief won the engagement. Now we had proof. Of course one time that meant proof of my stupidity in front of 100 fighter pilots, oops, kind of embarrassing. I last met Tom as an old man, dining with him and Judy, and with my family and Dan's, at Nati's, which is where I took the picture of him with Dan. He was frail and had really pulled himself together to come out, which I will always consider a great honor. He still had, despite all the hardships of his illnesses, that mischievous twinkle in his eye. I knew from the first encounter where Dan's sense of adventure, his ability to suddenly take a fork in the road and seek something new and fun, came from. Tom Rees was a singular and legendary individual and I'm glad our lives touched if only briefly.

I grieve for your loss, Dan and Judy and all who were closest to Tom. May he rest in peace, and continue to inspire those who knew him.

Tommy and Dave on bike.

David Rees

July 26, 2014

My first memories of Uncle Tommy were visiting his house on Catalina Blvd in Pt Loma. The backyard smelled like oranges and they had a very awesome elevated fort you could climb up into. My grandma (Tom's mother Sarah) lived in a separate apartment in the backyard - it was her smoking sanctuary. Tom was always smiling and had a unique happy voice. He had a dalmation named Cinder which he said could talk - and Tommy would get Cinder to "talk", and I would half believe it. He also explained to me that dogs had a 6 foot invisible extension on their nose that gave them ability to smell things that you held behind your back. He would have me hold a sandwich behind my back, and sure enough Cinder always found it. That dog was amazing. Later on in my life I was playing in a band in San Diego and Tommy and Judy showed up one night and started swing dancing on the dance floor. They were actually pretty good dancers. My dad always looked up to Uncle Tommy - they maintained a good brotherly relationship. Tommy and Dave both have great happy kids, and even happier grandkids who will all miss them very much.

July 25, 2014

Fairly recently and one of those days when Tom was up to talking, he looked at me and said "Kelly, I used to worry about you but now I think that you are going to be okay". It meant the world to me that I had earned his trust and respect. His integrity, honesty and intelligence inspired me to be the best I could be. I am a better and happier person for have knowing him. Thanks Tom for always having my back. See ya when I see ya again!

Dan Rees

July 24, 2014

Dad was a Great Man with Many, Many Fine Qualities

When I was little my Dad was just like James Bond to me. I should know, in the 1960s I spent a lot of time with my Dad and I saw all the Bond movies.
- He seemed to know everything about everything (like James Bond).
- Spoke many languages (Bond).
- Did a lot of foreign travel including the jungles of Brazil for waterway surveying (Autotape) and to remote islands to track rocket launches (some of which exploded – just like in a Bond movie)
- Jumped from boats onto equipment buoys in shark infested waters a hundred miles from land (very Bond like).
- Sawed off the nose of a dangerous swordfish and brought it back for me (and it might be radioactive which would be extremely Bondian).
- In my own back yard (I was 7) our pet ducks were kidnapped. My Dad tracked the desperados and rescued the ducks in his spare time.
- I saw him save a kid being attacked by a swarm of bees like it was nothing.
- I saw him break up a street fight by immediately putting one guy in a Judo choke hold. (although we did study Judo together for many years so I wasn't surprised).

Great Willpower
- He smoked when he was in the Navy. But when all the lung cancer data came out in the ‘60s, he just quit. Once he decided, that was it. Instead of smoking, he drank lemonade with me.
- Then there's all the 4:00 am or 4:30 am mornings when both Tom and Judy would get up to catch the train to work. I'd say that takes willpower.

Smart with a Memory like an Elephant
- Languages were no problem. He would buy a pocket sized English to Italian or English to Spanish, or Thai or whatever dictionary and carry it around, reading from time to time. That was it. Everything he read would stick and somehow he'd pick up the grammar. After a short time, he'd be speaking and conversing in that language.
- He bought both gold and Qualcomm stock when it was cheap. Sold the Qualcomm stock and then bought the family ranch in Quartzsite with the profits.
- He was like a Jeopardy champion. I saw him race through the NY Times crossword puzzle in about 10 minutes.
- In fact when he was in the hospital, very weak and not hardly talking at all, Judy was working a CW puzzle. She got stuck on the Capital of Tibet… Lhasa. Then we guessed on how to spell it, we were wrong so he spoke up again and corrected our spelling. Classic Dad.

Patriotic
- Loved his country, fought for his county in the Korean War, spent a career working national defense projects for his country. When he was a little during WW2, Tom's Dad brought many Air Force aces, war heroes and celebrities home for rest and meals during layovers from all the public events that Tom's Dad was responsible for. This included top ace Richard I Bong (40 kills), a name that all freshman USAFA cadets have to memorize. They even had Clark Gable over for a few days and he gave Tom one of his uniform shirts, complete with the name tag stitched to the pocket.

Tough as Nails
- Besides surviving the Korean War, nuclear weapons accidents, jungle fevers, etc, etc he would just keep on going. When he was around 75 he ended up being the one to climb the antenna tower in Egypt that was ridiculously high (1000 feet or so) to diagnose and fix a data link problem. I think he had a touch of the Egyptian version of Montezuma's revenge at the time too. That's tough.
- At the annual guys winter campout, on the border with Mexico, near Potrero, my Dad was the oldest participant many years running. He sometimes referred to that campout as the “He-Man” weekend referring to the Masters of the Universe cartoon character. He-Man was tough and strong and brave and could overcome just about anything; just like my Dad.

Don Johnson

July 23, 2014

At the passing of an old friend and co-worker Tom Reese, I'd like to honor him with this post. I know most of you didn't know Tom … but I did. Tom was one of these types of folks you hope others have had the honor of knowing, and the type of man you hope your offspring rub shoulders with … a man of influence.

Thomas Edward Rees

In looking at the ship Tom served on during the Korean War, the USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116), I noticed a commonality of service between Tom and another old friend Gene Beckstom. Tom served during the defense of the Pusan Perimeter , a major battle that pushed the UN army of 140,000 UN troops to the brink of defeat. The UN army rallied and pushed back the North Korean troops, and ultimately pushed the North back to the Chinese border. Gene Beckstrom was a GI in that battle, and was serving in the US Army after a six year enlistment in the Navy fighting the South Pacific battles of World War II.

Tom and his ship were also heavily involved in the Battle of Inchon supplying much needed air power against the surrounding Chinese forces. Gene Beckstom was also there as a member of the 25'th US Army Combat Engineers.

Ya Can't Much Argue With A Heart Like This We recently spent time in Houston with Diana's sister Kathy and her husband Randy. Randy's mother had recently passed on, and randy took custody of a book of poems and writings of his grandfather. As you can see, this man was a World War II army veteran, and a man gifted with crafting words.

I hope you enjoy these stories, and if you knew Tom, give Judy a call or drop a note.

Regards,

Don johnson

Rick & Eva Astrab

July 23, 2014

Our sincere condolences.

Tom was respected and admired by all those who knew him. He was a dedicated employee a consummate engineer and true mentor for all those who worked with him. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him...

May God bless you and guide you through these times of tribulation.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rick & Eva Astrab

Robert Blakeman

July 23, 2014

Soty's of

Robert Blakeman

July 23, 2014

Ed Burdick

July 23, 2014

When I first hired in with Cubic Tom was one of the first to welcome me to the team slated for the Tyndall ACMI. I will always remember Tom for his advice, his influence and his magic for getting things done. It is a blessing to have known and worked with Tom Rees.

Destroyed launch pad on Johnston Island

Dan Rees

July 23, 2014

I discovered my Dad's secret power source was Plutonium. I was four at the time, July 25, 1962, when my Dad survived the world's first accidental "dirty bomb." He was in the tall blockhouse at 1 o'clock in the picture when the Thor missile carrying two re-entry vehicles and the W50 nuclear warhead is destroyed on the launch pad. The Johnston Island launch complex was demolished in the explosions and fire which burned through the night. Portions of the island were contaminated with highly radioactive plutonium spread by the explosion, fire and wind-blown smoke.

Tom spent most much of the year in 1962 here tracking rockets (high altitude nuclear weapons testing)

Dan Rees

July 23, 2014

Tom with Jan and Al Gaxiola

Dan Rees

July 23, 2014

Tom and his gang at Eaton's Ranch, Wolf Wyoming

Dan Rees

July 23, 2014

Tom and Al Phillips - Buddies forever!

Dan Rees

July 23, 2014

Three generations - Tom, Alex, Tony, Dan, Danny

Dan Rees

July 23, 2014

Kevin Burns

July 23, 2014

Tom's maternal grandfather, John Edward "Ned" Dressendorfer, was one of our mother's older brothers. Our mother, Agnes, was the youngest of nine surviving children born to William and Mary Dressendorfer. They also had two other children, Grace and James, who died in infancy. Tom's mother, Sarah Dressendorfer Rees, was the oldest of our Uncle Ned's and Aunt Carrie's eight children. Because of the age differences, as a child, I always thought of Sarah more like an aunt than a first cousin.

Kevin Burns

July 23, 2014

Dear Judy,

Here are a few of the things I recall about the contacts Tom and I had in our younger days.

My first memories of Tom are playing together with our cousin Joe Reisch at Joe's house on Dial Court Ave. in Springfield when we were grade school age. Joe had a tremendous advantage over Tom and me, because his German Shepherd dog, Fritz, would nip at us anytime we were trying to catch Joe when playing football, tag, or any other game involving running.

I remember taking a train trip to Chicago during the early part of WWII for a week's visit with Tom's family. They lived somewhere on the North side, and the El ran at the back of their yard. Tom showed me around the neighborhood, and he knew exactly where to go for all sorts of good things. We also went to the museum, and had dinner one night at a restaurant that his dad managed. I was amazed at how big Chicago was, and how Tom knew almost everything about it.

Tom was 14 months older than me, and he came to Springfield to visit one summer when he was about 14 years old, I think. Anyway, he was able to rent a Cushman motor scooter, which we took riding around Lake Springfield. I remember hitting a large bump that knocked us both off the scooter, which kept going on its own for about 100 feet. Fortunately, neither of us nor the scooter received too much damage.

Tom was particularly skillful in being able to borrow his relatives' cars. I remember very well his grandfather Rees' 1936 Packard, his aunt Mary's 1939 Dodge, and his uncle Keith's 1947 Ford. Also, one night his uncle David (a Navy Officer), let Tom drive his 1948 powder blue Buick Roadmaster. We were able to determine that the top speed we could reach with it on the Old Jacksonville Road was 106 mph. The next night Tom had his father's 1948 Buick Super, but the best it would do was 102. Until now, this information was never officially reported.

One other event I recall was my father allowing Tom and me to paint our old family car, a 1938 Chevy. We decided to paint it black, and did the job with a brush. It came out pretty well, with Tom doing most of the work, and supplying all of the knowhow.

Well, Judy, those are a few things I recall. Hope it is helpful.

Love,

Kevin

Crash pad at Mexico Beach Florida (near Tyndall AFB)

Dan Rees

July 22, 2014

Good times at the annual Bell Valley "Potrero" campout.

Dan Rees

July 22, 2014

We will miss Tom's very unique Irish sense of humor. He was always fun to be with and we will miss him. Love to all and our prayers are with you, Judy, and all the family.
Tom and Carolyn Wachter

Richard Ehrlich

July 22, 2014

Tom was a very special person who meant a lot to me as a mentor and a friend. I went to him for advice in my early years at Cubic. I admired him right from the start. I know many coworkers who felt the same way. Tom will be dearly missed.

Richard Ehrlich

Jennifer Waters

July 21, 2014

Tom was a wonderful guy. I enjoyed our in depth conversations.

Sure do miss you Papa, Love Seka

*Seka Rees

July 21, 2014

"It'z so quiet without you here to throw the ball and play take away with me"
"Iama so miz'zen my Papa"

Tom and the girls Celebrating Christmas

Sandi Star

July 21, 2014

Tom and JoAnn

Sandi Star

July 21, 2014

Tom and Judy

Sandi Star

July 21, 2014

One of many fun celebrations

Sandi Star

July 21, 2014

We go back many years Tom. All the way back until Judy met you many years ago. You were, a man with many things to say and many stories to share. You guys did a lot of travel and fun times with my parents through the years and I know they sure enjoyed it. You were there with us when my Mom passed and you were at all our celebrations and parties. You became my Uncle and you will always be my Uncle Tom Tom. Will miss you lots but am comforted in knowing we will see you again when the Lord calls us home as well.

Easter 2006

Sandi Star

July 21, 2014

Myron Brody

July 21, 2014

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Rees. Although I didn't know Thomas, I do know that we was loved and cherished and will be missed.

Don Johnson

July 21, 2014

In the labs, offices, cubicles and conference rooms at Cubic San Diego.

Buds & rib-eyes at the Driftwood in Mexico Beach FL.
In the computer filled trailers from Tyndall AFB to Carrabelle FL.
In the computer room at NAS Oceana, VA pointing to an "O-scope" saying "... if you fix that it's going to work!" I did and it did.
Same story at Holloman AFB, NM Tom's steady hand always at the ready from Alamogordo to North Oscurro Peak.

Yea, a man of influence and a man I was blessed to know and work beside.

July 21, 2014

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family Judy.
Rose Valdez

Billy Smith

July 21, 2014

I am so thankful to have known Tom, he made work fun and fun essential. We shared a lot of good times and not too many bad ones. He'll be missed.

July 20, 2014

I'll always remember the first time I met Tom... I was supposed to be volunteering but instead became enchanted with Tom's kind, interesting, and comprehensive knowledge of ALL THINGS large, small, and in-between. Tom was our very own Renaissance Man and certainly a down-to-earth and kind version. A great man!

July 20, 2014

We are sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. Bob and Marjorie Desmond

We certainly enjoyed our "Boating Experiences" with Tom and Judy!!

Steve and Vicki McMichael

July 20, 2014

Tom and Dan at Nati's in 2011

Henri Bigo

July 20, 2014

My favorite picture of us two at home enjoying the moment.

Judy Rees

July 19, 2014

With Loving thoughts of our life together, I would like to thank everyone who have been so kind and thoughtful to send cards and letters expressing sympathy to me and our family. Nurse Puppy, Seka and I are getting through things together with the help of family and friends and precious memories of our life with Tom.

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