Reed Thomas Hales' Obituary
Reed Thomas Hales, a teacher to thousands, a mentor to many, and a friend to all, passed away on June 7, 2024, in Provo, Utah surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Provo, Utah on December 22, 1943, to Leo and Ione Thomas Hales. He was raised in Provo with his brother Robert and sister Joan.
Reed graduated from Provo High School in 1962 where he lettered in football, baseball, and basketball. He joined the United States Army Reserve, and served in Fort Ord, CA. He had a deep and unwavering love for his country. When he returned home he began his studies at BYU. He continued dating and married his high school sweetheart, Kay Jacobson, on September 3, 1964 in the Salt Lake City LDS temple.
Reed graduated from BYU in 1967 with degrees in Physical Education, Health Education, and Drivers and Safety Education. He accepted his first teaching assignment at Butler Jr. High. The following year he was offered a teaching and coaching position at Provo High School. He cherished the opportunity to teach and coach alongside his former teachers and coaches, forming lifelong friendships.
In 1977 the new Timpview High School opened, where Reed continued to teach, and was hired to be the head baseball coach. That first year, the baseball team had amazing success and won the state championship. He also taught driver education, was a department head, and helped write curriculum. He was later hired as the athletic director, where he surrounded himself with great coaches and built some of the most successful programs in the state. He was always proud of his students and his own children, who he had the opportunity to teach, coach, and compete with.
Reed retired from Provo school district in 1997, having taught and coached thousands of students. He also taught discipline and classroom management at BYU and physical education classes at UVU.
Reed loved sports and was an avid golfer and played often, making friends along the course. He won many tournaments - and was proud of his “hole in one”. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and skiing. Reed loved coaching and playing but he felt his most important role in life was that of a husband and father. He built loving memories and traditions with his family. He and Kay raised five children that are best friends.
Reed was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was called to and willing to serve in many leadership positions. He honored his priesthood and was an example to his family and others. Reed touched the lives of so many throughout life’s journey. He will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and coach.
He is survived by his devoted and caring wife Kay, and his children: Michael (Tonya), Jeffrey (Karin), John (Ellis), Stacey (Russell), Paul (Tara), 18 grandchildren and one great grandson.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June14, 2024, at 11:00 am in the Sharon East Stake Center, 2400 North 1060 East, Provo, UT. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 am to 10:45 am prior to the services. Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery.
Zoom Link for service: https://www.youtube.com/live/RLo1VOg9Dbk
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