Tom Rheingans

Tom Rheingans, age 72, passed peacefully on December 7, 2023, in Ruidoso, New Mexico with his two daughters and grandson by his side. He was born on June 10, 1951, to Wilfred Rheingans and Eddie Leota (Smith) Rheingans in Odessa, Texas.

Tom graduated from Permian High School and went on to Texas Tech, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. He taught school at Bowie Junior High for a brief time. He then went to work for Halliburton and transitioned to sales for Goodyear Tire. That is when he met Gracie, his wife of 35 years, and together they lived in Albuquerque and California, moving back to Gracie’s hometown of Ruidoso in 2005. He then started selling real estate for Century 21. Tom finally retired and spent many hours working in his yard and playing golf. He loved baseball and softball, playing in many leagues during his younger years. His biggest joy was coaching High School Baseball in Capitan, where he coached his grandson, Logan. He was so looking forward to the upcoming baseball season and coaching again. He will be missed by so many.

Tom is survived by his wife, Gracie Rose Rheingans; his children, Mary Storey (Jared), Karen Wilson, Luke Wilson (Brittany), and Kris Rheingans (Kristi); brother-in-law, Marty Rose (Jessica); grandchildren, Logan, Sevy, Ry-Lee, Hailey, Jonathan, Miranda, Reyanne, Dawson, Cooper, Zia, Axel, Tory, Tyson, and grand Fur-Babies; 4 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, AJ, Cierra, Tori, and Sabrina.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Gary.

The family will be having a memorial service after the holidays. Please visit this page for updates to the service information.