Thomas Lee

Reed "Rebo"

Thomas L. Reed, “Rebo,” age 78, of Waterville, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Dayton VA Victory Ridge Hospice following a 21-month, hard-fought battle with a glioblastoma.

Tom is survived by his longtime partner, Jackie Kane (Baden), of Waterville; his three children, Matt (Gina) Reed of Canal Winchester, Ohio, Lindsey (Ben) Patten of Centerville, Ohio, and Natalie Huff of Beavercreek, Ohio; and his six grandchildren, Owen and Olivia Huff, Jakob and Alyssa Reed, and Heidi and Allison Patten. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Reed; his sister, Linda Francis (Reed); and numerous nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Anna Reed; his brothers, James and Douglas Reed; his infant daughter, Deborah Reed; his former wife, Phyllis Reed (Grisier); and several lifelong friends who were an important part of his journey.

Tom was born on November 4, 1948, to Glenn and Anna (Gustwiller) Reed in Defiance, Ohio. He was a 1966 graduate of Tinora High School. Following graduation, Tom proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1967 to 1971 as a Sergeant with the 3rd Medical Battalion, including service in Vietnam. His military honors included the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign Medal, M-14 Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Combat Action Ribbon, and Navy Commendation Medal. Tom remained proud of his service to his country throughout his life. He was a lifelong member of VFW Post #3360, Defiance Elks Lodge #147, AmVets Post #1991, Kettering American Legion Post #598, and the Marine Corps League.

Hard work was instilled in Tom from an early age as he worked alongside his father and brother in the family business, Reed Truck Lines. More than just a place to work, the family business was where Tom developed the skills, values, and work ethic that would define him throughout his life. He took great pride in being part of the family business and carried with him the lessons he learned there: the importance of hard work, dependability, loyalty, taking care of your people, and doing what needed to be done.

Tom went on to build a successful career in management in the transportation and waste industries spanning more than 20 years. His career took his family from Defiance to Dayton in the mid-1980s and eventually to New Jersey for a few years before bringing them back to Ohio in the early 1990s. Never one to sit still, Tom continued his entrepreneurial pursuits as a consultant in the waste industry and launched several startup businesses.

Outside of work, Tom's happiest days were often spent on the water, spending time with his loved ones and was always up for a game of Euchre. He had a special love for boating, particularly on Lake Erie, where he owned and lovingly cared for numerous boats over the years, many bearing the names “Rebo” or “Rebo's Rascal.” Countless family weekends were spent on the lake, surrounded by family and cherished friends, making memories that will last a lifetime. After retiring, Tom spent more than 15 years living on Clear Lake in Fremont, Indiana, where Jackie, his kids, grandkids, and friends enjoyed many memorable weekends aboard Bapa Tom's pontoon boat.

Tom was a proud dad to his three children and six grandchildren, always cheering them on, encouraging them to dream big, and believing in what they could accomplish. He was a dreamer himself, never short on big ideas for home renovations, vacations, or the next adventure. He also made sure his children understood the value of hard work and the importance of showing up for the people you love.

Tom was a natural storyteller and never passed up an opportunity for a good conversation. His stories were often lengthy, occasionally without an obvious ending, but that was part of his charm! He loved a good joke, a cold beer, making people laugh, and seeing those around him having a good time. He was the kind of person who would step in to help whenever and wherever he was needed, for whomever needed him, without hesitation or questions asked. He treasured his lifelong friendships, many of which spanned decades and multiple chapters of his life in Defiance, Dayton, Michigan, and New Jersey. Those friendships, the laughter, the stories, and the memories they created meant the world to him.

For more than 20 years, Tom shared his life with his longtime partner, Jackie Kane (Baden), who held a very special place in his heart. Jackie was a devoted, loving, supportive companion, especially throughout the past couple of years as she cared for him during his illness. The family is deeply grateful for the love she gave him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Dayton VA Victory Ridge Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they provided Tom and his family.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Monday, November 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to join together for a luncheon at 2:00 p.m. at VFW Post #3360 in Defiance, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation, Dayton VA Medical Center (Hospice), or Ann Arbor VA Medical Center.