Thomas L. Redditt

Thomas Lonam Reditt, 96, died peacefully at home October 20, 2012. Thomas Lonam Redditt, Sr. was born July 17, 1916 in Center, Texas. Thomas or ""Lonam"" was the fourth of five children of William and Margaret Redditt. He proudly graduated from Austin High School in El Paso, Texas in 1934 where he enjoyed being a member of the football team. In 1936 Tom's son, Tom Jr. was born. Out of town working as a traveling salesman on December 7, 1941 he immediately returned to El Paso to enlist in the army on December 8th. His army career lasted until 1946 and upon his return he moved to Denver and went to work for his uncle as a manufacturers' representative. Shortly thereafter he left and began his own rep firm that eventually became Tom Redditt Sales Agency which is now a 3rd generation company. On January 9, 1954 Tom married Elinor Price from Rapid City, South Dakota. They had 58 memorable years together and enjoyed travelling, entertaining and spending time with family and friends. Tom, along with so many others of his generation, had a distinguished military career. He was inducted into the army in August of 1942 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He was shipped overseas and joined the European Theatre in September, 1944. He was involved in three battles, one of which was the Battle of the Ardennes as part of Patton's Third Army. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army until 1946 when he was discharged at the rank of Major. He was awarded 4 medals: the European Campaign Medal with 3 bronze service stars, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the European Occupation Medal. Tom considered the company he founded, Tom Redditt Sales Agency, one of his most valued accomplishments and was very proud of its continued success. He was extremely involved in industry organizations, at one time serving as President of MAFSI, the organization for food equipment manufacturers' reps. His love of the industry and its people stayed with him throughout his life. Up until his last days he could be heard quizzing family members and employees about the business, occasionally calling the office to just to make sure people were working and to inquire, ""Are you selling anything?"" Tom and Elinor were very blessed and in turn were exceedingly kind and generous. In 1991, they created and funded the H.B. Fort Scholarship at Tom's alma mater, Austin High School, which continues to this day. He was compelled to start the fund because of his financial inability to attend college. Tom also spent many years doing charitable work as a member of the Scottish Rite Masons, concluding his tenure as a 33rd Degree Mason, the highest rank possible. Tom was loved and respected by so many and he will be sorely missed, especially by his lovely wife Elinor, his son Tom Jr. and the rest of his family. We are so blessed that God granted him 96 good years and we are thankful for every one of them. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Lynn Schreiner, Jeanie Wise, Cynthia Alegbegi, Christie Pietro and Patty Iding, the caregivers who became like family themselves and cared for Tom so lovingly. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Elinor; son Thomas Redditt, Jr. and his wife Sylvia; grandchildren Sandra McAdow and her husband Bruce, Patty Dart and her husband Mike, Lance Redditt and his wife Darcy, and John Redditt and his wife Penni; great grandchildren Ross McAdow and his wife Taya, Mitchell McAdow, Benjamin McAdow, Matthew Dart, Hannah Dart, Chase Redditt, and Patience Redditt; and three nephews Reverend Alan Calcote, William Redditt, III, and Richard Redditt. Tom was preceded in death by his four siblings William Marvin Redditt and his wife Elouise, Patty Redditt Calcote and her husband A.D., John David Redditt and his wife Madeline, and Lamar Buswell Redditt and his wife Sophie. There will be a Visitation Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227. Funeral Service will be Thursday, October 25, 2012, 11:00 AM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227. Interment to follow are Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80235. Reception to be held at The Waterford, 1900 East Girard Place, Englewood, Colorado 80113. Please share your memories of Tom and condolences with his family by the signing the Guestbook below.