Tom "Perch" Reid

MARION - Tom “Perch” Reid, age 64, passed away December 10, 2016, at his home at Marion County Lake. Tom was born with a head of red hair and a spirit to match on July 6, 1952, in Newton, Kansas to Leo and Neva Reid of Florence. He earned the nickname Perch at around age 5, when his love of the water and exploits at the Newton pool led the older kids to proclaim that he swam like a fish!

After graduating from high school in 1970, Tom attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, where he played football. After his dad became ill in the early ‘70s, Tom managed his folks’ service station. He and his younger brother Kevin built a special bond during this time. Tom mentored Kevin in many ways and coached several of his sports teams.

Tom met the love of his life, Bev Backhus, in 1976, and they married on October 22, 1983, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Tampa, Kansas. Tom became a union ironworker in the early ‘80s and during his career participated in the construction of buildings in and around Wichita at sites including McConnell Air Force Base, Fort Riley, Boeing and Old Town.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman, with a special love for fishing. He fished many lakes in Kansas and Texas with friends. Tom also enjoyed the trips that he and Bev took to island paradises including Hawaii, the Cayman Islands and the Virgin Islands.

Tom treasured spending time with family and friends. He was funny and gentle and loved to tell stories and jokes. He was a favorite of his nieces and nephews.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Neva and Leo Reid, and brothers Michael and Jim Reid. He is survived by his wife, Bev Backhus Reid; three siblings and their spouses: Reilly Reid and wife Susan of Florence, Kansas, Kristin Reid Parrino and husband Steve of Dallas, Texas, and Kevin Reid and wife Tracy of Maize, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews. Tom’s friends and family will miss him dearly.

Visitation with family will be held from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.  The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Florence, with the Rosary being recited at 10:00 a.m., and the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:30 a.m.  The Committal Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., at the Tampa Lutheran Cemetery in Tampa.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marion County Park and Lake Memorial Fund in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion, KS, 66861.  Online Condolences may be left at www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.