Thomas E. "Tom" Gleason, 74, died June 15, 2023, at his home in Lawrence. A celebration of his life is planned for 3 p.m., July 20 in the Pavilion at the Lied Center of Kansas.

He was born Nov. 15, 1948, in Topeka to Thomas E. Gleason and Carolyn Carey Gleason. The family moved soon after to Ottawa where Tom grew up and attended school. He was a 1966 graduate of Ottawa High School. The summer after his high school graduation, he moved to Lawrence, where he lived the rest of his life. He earned a journalism degree from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a juris doctorate from the KU School of Law in 1973.

Tom joined his father's law practice in Ottawa and served many clients in both Ottawa and Lawrence. For the last 30 years, his practice was focused on representing a group of independent rural telephone companies across Kansas, some of which shared generations of ties with the Gleason firm. He was a zealous advocate for legislative and regulatory efforts to promote the interests of rural telecommunications throughout the state.

Tom was a gifted musician and enjoyed all kinds of music. He was a drummer in several popular Midwest rock bands in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He later took up guitar and was always ready for an impromptu jam session with friends. He loved to share the fact that the first of many rock concerts he attended during his life was in 1964: the Beatles playing at Kansas City's Municipal Stadium during their first U.S. tour.

Tom also took an interest in various community organizations and affairs. He was active in the Democratic Party and served as a Lawrence city commissioner from 1981 to 1983. He enjoyed plants and gardening, especially his large collection of cacti and succulents. He was a big Jayhawk fan and the best pet dad.

Tom is survived by his wife, Ann Gardner, his son, Chris, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, John.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Douglas County Community Foundation or Ottawa's Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, which can be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

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

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jun. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Gleason

8 Entries

Neil Goss

September 8, 2023

Tom will be missed,a great friend and one who represented me in times of need.He loved music and could play a mean guitar,in 2015 we saw the Stone's together and had blast.I'm sure he his playing on one of his favorite guitars now,Pease brother!

Neil Goss

September 8, 2023

He will be missed,a great friend and one who represented me in times of need.2015 we went to see the Rolling Stones and had a blast! I'm sure he is playing on one of his favorite guitar now.

Richard Mackenzie

September 7, 2023

I will never forget my law school buddy Tom. What a shock when his phone was disconnected when I called to get together today while I was in Lawrence. I will never forget Tom and the great times we shared. I only regret there will be no more. He was a brilliant person and I'm proud to number him as one of my best friends. Richard Mackenzie

Shawn A Jordan

June 30, 2023

Although I didn´t actually know Thomas Gleason Jr I was a classmate of his younger & late brother John Gleason & a friend by this association
I remember a number of years ago I had made contact with Thomas Gleason Jr wanting to know how I could get into touch with a former High School classmate his younger brother John Gleason not long after my message sent to him I received an email that put me into touch with John Gleason ... I did spend some time albeit a brief period of time at the Gleason Family home in the days of my youth that was north of Eugene Field elementary school I´m not recalling the street address but it was a very large stately home with a wrap around driveway in the backside of the property ... it was an impressive home without question
I graduated with Thomas´s late brother John in 1976 ... I was deeply saddened to hear that one of my High School classmates had passed away last year when I was attending a funeral in Ottawa for another one of our classmates Kelly Kirkland
I want to extend & express my most heartfelt condolences to the Family & extended family of both Thomas Gleason Jr & his late brother John Gleason May they both RestInEternalPeace
I know he practiced law for a very long while and was well respected
With warmest regards
Shawn A Jordan
Ottawa High School Cyclones
Class of 1976

Mark

June 19, 2023

I count Tom as a truly good friend. Yes he represented Totah, but it was much more than that. He and I could talk politics, sports, Telecom stuff, or just about anything. He was one of the smartest men I know. I am truly going to miss his ability to talk me down to earth when something hit the legislature or the Commission. He was very good at showing both sides of an issue whether he agreed with them or not. I am going to miss you my friend.

Frank Carey

June 18, 2023

One of my earliest memories is of red-haired boy waving at me as our family drove past the Gleason´s newly built home. I guess Tom and I were about 4 or 5 years old at the time. Tom has always been a friend starting from that day forward. To me, he has been the definition of a good friend-always there, always generous and helpful-so many laughs, road trips, rock concerts, and always music. I miss him but he will always be with me.

Bruce Roberts

June 18, 2023

To Ann and family
I am very sorry to learn of Tom's passing. I admired him greatly, and truly appreciated his support of the Democratic Party, his service as a commissioner, and his dedication to the law. I only recently learned that he was also a drummer! Peace to you all.

Marsha Givens

June 16, 2023

I had the honor and pleasure of working with Tom when I worked for James M. Caplinger, Chtd.

Tom was a very kind person. I respected hm very much. My condolences to his family.

Marsha Givens

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