Thomas John Gleason

Tom was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on April 24, 1940. Tom enjoyed all sports and excelled in basketball and golf, eventually earning a basketball scholarship. He graduated from Carroll College in Montana and began a career as a teacher and coach in Grand Junction in 1964 at Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Catholic School where he met and fell in love with Margaret Baur, another teacher. Tom and his “Margie” married December 31, 1966, and raised four children.

Tom loved his family and his home. He spared no efforts to support his children and grandchildren with home projects, family events, sports, concerts and all activities, traveling often to Denver and Pennsylvania. His family will greatly miss his smile and his endless energy, good humor, sweetness, kindness, incredible organization skills, patience and mostly, his constant love.

Tom’s kindness, good humor and generous spirit created instant and long-lasting friendships, from people he met in his first years in GJ, to former students and their families, to the new neighbor down the block, to the clerk at the grocery store. With his friends he shared family stories, solved world problems, worked on projects big and small, discussed Notre Dame football, and most of all, laughed.

Tom taught history and social studies to thousands of students in his 36 year career. He served as head basketball coach at West Junior High (earning multiple championships) and at Central High. Tom was active in his parish, IHM, for 50+ years, served on parish council, volunteered for numerous service activities including most recently Catholic Outreach food services, and even served several years as head groundskeeper.

He is survived by his loving wife Marge, his children John (Marsha), Michael (Kathy), Rob (Kelly) and Kathy (Chris) Nash, and his grandchildren, Erica, Chris, Caitlin, Elaina, Grace, Ashlin, Emily, Joey and Jack, his brother-in-law Ernie, beloved Wyoming cousins, his groups of golf and “Dirty Dozen” poker buddies, and numerous close neighbors and friends. His brother John and his parents Frank and Janet preceded him in death.

A Mass and celebration of Tom’s life will be held for his family and friends in Spring at IHM. In lieu of gifts, please make a donation to Grand Valley Catholic Outreach.