“A life well lived” may be the first words that come to mind when friends and family think of Tom. He was born, fourth of seven children, into a hardworking, Midwest farming family and so many of his basic values were instilled early on by his parents. During his first year of college, Tom fell in love with Sarah Hunter and they would share the next 63 years happily married. They had 4 children together, and informally adopted several others. They have lived in many states in the Continental United States, in New Zealand, and in Hawaii. Because of that, they have friends and stories all over the world.
Tom also had a great love of missions and his goal was that the love of Jesus would be shared with the whole world. His excitement for learning, and for the Word of God, was contagious- even infectious. Some of the places he loved to do missions were Cove, Arizona, Spain and Cambodia. He leaves that legacy in his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren who are now spread across the world.
Tom was especially fascinated by gardening and woodworking. His care and dedication to plant a seed in the earth and watch it grow is the same intentionality he had in planting the seed of the gospel in those he came to know. His dedication to take a piece of discarded wood and with great technique create a work of art reflects not only the transformation Jesus did in his own life, but also the skill Tom used in adopting broken people and speaking life into them.
Tom died on November 2, 2022, surrounded by family, after a very short illness. His unexpected transition from his earthly tent into Glory leaves his friends and family saddened by such a great loss but also praising the Lord for his legacy.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Blanche Gleason; his daughter, Julie (Gleason) Bock; his brothers, Bill Gleason and Jackie Gleason; and sister, Mary (Gleason) Colby. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sarah (Hunter) Gleason; his children, Sheila Aderman (husband Chris), LaRinda Paulsen (husband Jim), Chris Gleason (wife Ishtar), Jan Hansen (husband Mark); siblings, Patricia Eagan, Joseph Gleason, Bonnie Widdifield; grandsons, Tim, Nic, Ben, Ryan P., Jesse, Ryan H., Royce and their spouses; granddaughters, Rachael, Tanya, Heidi, Danae, Cristie, Nathasha, Susie, Melissa, Renee, Ilaria and their spouses; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations can be made in Tom’s memory to Assembly of God World Missions.

There will be a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Greenlawn North Funeral Home in Springfield.