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.