Thomas Eugene Reichard, of Kirkwood and Affton, MO died peacefully on January 2, 2023 at the age of 92. Tom was born in Dayton, Ohio, the 3rd of 5 children born to Maurice R. Reichard and Cecilia H. Lehman Reichard.

Tom attended University of Dayton, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Physics. There he met the love of his life, Mary Young, whom he married in 1953, and remained so until her death in 2008. During their 55 years of marriage, they raised 9 wonderful children: Mary (Wesley) Ohlsen, Laura (Jeff) Bledsoe, Bill (Kim) Reichard, Joe (Mary) Reichard, Julie (Walter) Osborne, Amy (Lewis) Massey, Tom (Patty) Reichard, Jane (Kevin) Krueger, and John (Grace) Reichard.

A brilliant scientist and inventor, Tom spent most of his career working for Monsanto Chemical Company, first in Dayton and then St. Louis (1960 – 1985) where he eventually retired as a Senior Fellow. There, he was instrumental in the development and implementation of many inventions in the electronics industry, specifically in semiconductor rod and silicon wafer manufacturing. An inventor and problem-solver at heart, Tom relished creating inventions - big and small - that made life easier or more interesting.

An enthusiastic and competitive cyclist and speedskater, Tom was an active member of the St. Louis Cycling Club, and the St. Louis Speed Skating Club. He traveled the country seeking out some of the most challenging multi-day cycling adventures, and in 1976 at the age of 46, Tom completed the coast-to-coast Bikecentennial.  Diagnosed with emphysema and obstructive pulmonary disease in his early 40’s, Tom retired from Monsanto on his 55th birthday to devote more time to doing the activities he loved most – cycling, speed skating, and eventually rollerblading. Despite worsening lung capacity, Tom participated in countless Senior Olympics winning most local races, many regional events, and a few national titles in cycling races.  He also won many local and regional short-track speed skating races in his division.  He was exceptional in his dedication to fitness and fanatical in tracking his training and racing performances. It was this unwavering commitment that allowed him to live decades longer than his doctors predicted. Tom enjoyed both fitness and the beauty of the natural world. He and Mary would load all the kids into a station wagon to take them to run at the local community track or to hike in the woods of Rockwoods Reservation or other state parks. He encouraged his children to live an active, healthy lifestyle and certainly led by example. A “gamer” before the term was invented, Tom relished every opportunity to challenge his children to chess and backgammon games when they were home, or take on masters-level players online.

Left to cherish his memory are his nine children, their spouses, 20 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, brother Jerome (Pat) Reichard of Dayton, Ohio, sister Maurine Zamberlan of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a great many nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow cyclists and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister Evelyn Louise Reichard Cron of Spring Lake, Michigan, and brother James Reichard who died as a toddler.

As a scientist, Tom’s final wish was to donate his body to Washington University for medical research. Friends and family are invited to share remembrances at:

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