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Thomas Reeder Obituary

Thomas Russell Reeder

Thomas Russell Reeder passed away at the age of 63 in Phoenix, Arizona on May 17, 2017 after a brief illness. Tom was born in Indio, California on Valentine's Day 1954.

As a youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts and was awarded the Eagle Scout merit badge, the highest rank in Boy Scouting. In 1971 he graduated from Indio High School where he was a member of the drama club and enjoyed participating in school plays.

Tom worked for 25 years as a security officer for Purcell Security Services in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. He had many recognitions and achievements during his career: Airport Manager, Wildlife Manager, Emergency Medical Technician Level III and EMT of the Year in 2007. Prior to that, he was employed as a Riverside County deputy sheriff in Indio and Hemet.

In 1996 Tom moved to Chico, Calif. to be near his daughters and grandchildren. In 2003 he traveled to Ukraine to bring his fiancée, Mayya, to the United States where they were married. They lived in Chico until 2013 when they moved to Oro Valley, Arizona. Tom was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, sport shooting, photography, gardening and Raider football.

He was preceded in death by his parents, longtime Indio residents, Russ and Ginny Reeder. He is survived by his wife, Mayya of Oro Valley, daughters Shannon Hester (Brian) and Jenni Barnett (Joe) both of Chico, Stepson Sergii Kuzhelnykov of Oro Valley, 7 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and sisters Kathy Dreyer (Bill) of Stuart, Florida and Sandy Munson (Ed) of La Quinta, California, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit:

desertsun.com/obituaries.

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

Published by The Desert Sun from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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Fred DeHart

March 11, 2018

So very sorry to hear. Tom you helped me several time through out my days at that slope and for that I will always be grateful. May you rest in peace good friend.

August 21, 2017

I think of you often Tom, your passing was far too abrupt. One can't know another person for over thirty years and not have some shared memories. There were a lot of chuckles and laughter too, how glad i am of that... time passes so quickly, save a seat for me, I'll be there before you know it.

Sal Pina

June 19, 2017

Tom,

RIP

Randall White

June 17, 2017

From one Scout to another: We will all miss Tommy. The glory days of capture the flag, merit badges and campouts were just the beginning of a great life. Thanks for being such a good friend. Our condolences to the Reeder family. I can see Ginny and Russ greeting Tommy once again at the gates of Heaven, saying, "Welcome home, son."

Dorsey Winsett

June 14, 2017

Prayers and condolences to Tommy's family. We went to school together from the 4th grade through high school and he was a great guy, kind and funny.

Shane DeRizzo

June 13, 2017

I will certainly never forget all of the hilarious conversations we had for the 14 years I knew you on the slope. The one about me always having champagne in my refrigerator makes me smile right now and always. Thanks for all the help you gave me when It came to travel for me and my crew. Rest in peace my friend, until we meet again ........ . I'll bring a bottle of Prosecco peace brother

Denny Hubble

June 12, 2017

I'll always remember the laughs we've shared. MayGod bless you, Tom. Rest In Peace.

Tom Sumey

June 12, 2017

Tom was a great guy and I was shocked to hear of his passing. RIP big guy

Skip Robinson

June 12, 2017

It was a pleasure working with you on the Slope.RIP

Amber Ascherin

June 10, 2017

I wish I had known you. What I do know is your daughter shannon is one of the most amazing humans on earth, which means you had to be pretty special. My thoughts of love and strength go to all that loved this man

Carol Brockman Castro

June 10, 2017

I grew up with Tommy. My condolences to the family. May God bless you all.

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