Thomas Leeds

Thomas (Tom) William Leeds, age 76, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2020. He was born on October 18, 1943 in Grand Prairie, Texas to Richard and Clara Leeds. He attended Florence Hill Elementary in Grand Prairie from 1st-8th grade and Grand Prairie Junior High for 9th grade. After his 9th grade year, the family moved to Denver, Colorado where he attended Cherry Creek High School.

Thomas had many and varied jobs in his life, including working at LTV and Bell Helicopter, before landing his dream job working for the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) as the head of the machine shop in the Engineering Department. He loved machinery and working with his hands and especially enjoyed working with the Engineering students and faculty on various designs and class projects. He took great joy in helping the students learn how to operate and appreciate the machinery he so loved and the sense of accomplishment they shared when completing a particularly challenging design or big project.

While he loved his work at UTA, the greatest love of his life was his wife, LaNelda Leeds.  She stole his heart and calmed his soul. The wild and restless ways of his younger years were no match for the love and devotion he felt for his Neddie. They had a wonderful marriage and enjoyed many years together, dancing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He was never happier than when he was in her arms.

Thomas is survived by his sister (Kay), his sister (Terry), nieces Lisa (Billy), Stacey, Kelley (Luis), nephews Richard (Karen), Michael (Kelly), Mark (Laura) and many great-nieces and nephews. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, his brother (Dick) and his wife (LaNelda).