Dec. 7, 1947-Dec. 9, 2023
Thomas William Leeds passed away on Dec. 9, 2023, in Washington, Utah. He died peacefully, at his home, with loved ones nearby. He had just turned 76 years old.
Tom was born the youngest of three children, the only son to Robert and Leona Leeds in San Fernando, California, on Dec. 7, 1947. As a child, Tom’s father managed a farm. In his later childhood, Tom’s father became a minister in the Freewill Baptist Church in Turlock, California. When Tom was a junior in high school his family moved to Huntington Park, California. Tom graduated from Bell High School where he enjoyed playing football. During his senior year, he met the love of his life Jacklyn Blackett. They graduated in June 1966 and were married by Tom’s dad in September. In 1970, Tom and Jackie were sealed at the LDS Temple in Los Angeles, California. They were happily married for 57 years.
Shortly after starting his career, Tom was drafted into the Army and served from 1967-69. He was stationed at Ft. Ord, California; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Germany. Fortunately, he was never deployed to Vietnam. Tom worked in the glass and packaging industry for 35 years and always enjoyed entertaining his business customers. Tom was very proud of his career and loved the travel that came with it (even visiting five European countries in five days). He particularly loved Spain and Portugal where he spent time studying how cork is made.
Tom and Jackie started their family in the suburbs of Los Angeles where they welcomed five children into their loving arms. Eventually, Tom’s job had them move to San Ramon, California, where they lived for nine years. For better career opportunities, they returned to Southern California and lived in San Clemente for 11 years. In 2004, Tom and Jackie retired to Washington and cherished spending time with their nine grandchildren.
Tom thrived by coaching his children in various sports. Being a Little League baseball coach was one of his most beloved pursuits. A few of Tom’s favorite experiences in life were attending the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, having season tickets to Dodger Stadium, being at the lighting of the San Francisco Bay Bridge for its 50th anniversary and attending two World Series (once with his sons and once with his father). Tom also loved playing golf, deep-sea fishing, spending time with his family and the perfect dad joke.
Tom was a valiant member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, even dropping out of college to serve in his congregation’s bishopric at 25 years old. Throughout his life he held many additional church callings, his favorites being a seminary teacher and scoutmaster. He truly revered serving the Lord.
Later in life, Tom decided to return to school and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga.
Tom was like the Pied Piper; he would go out to play with his kids and soon all the kids on the block would be playing too. Tom was a great father, friend and husband. He always saw the best in all people. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a very compassionate man and helped everyone he could.
Tom is preceded in death by his father Robert Leeds; mother Leona Leeds; eldest sister Marie Madruga and her husband Robert; older sister Gloria Giarratani; and infant son Thomas.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife Jackie; oldest son Grant and his sons Maddox and Griffin; second son Scott, his wife, Caren and their daughters Marissa and Katelyn; third son Courtney; oldest daughter Stacy Perham, her husband Dan and their children Carter and Scarlet; youngest daughter Emily Gillen, her husband TJ and their children Rowan, Smith and Walker.
Join us to celebrate Tom’s life. Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 82 N. Main St. Washington, Utah, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Dec. 22, with a viewing preceding at 10 a.m.
Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to click here to live stream services, meeting ID: 940 5401 993; passcode: 089163.
Interment will immediately follow the funeral at Washington City Cemetery, 300 Park View Drive, Washington, Utah.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Tom’s online guest book.