John Thomas Ries of St. Louis, Mo was born on January 29, 1947, and departed this world on July 23, 2025, surrounded by family. Loving husband to Susan (nee Camp), world class father to Julia (Brett) Lohmeyer, John Ries Jr., Melissa (Dan) Westhoff, and Jeff Ries, simply the best grandfather to Jane and Tommy Lohmeyer, Alyssa, Alaina, Adam and Alec Westhoff, Ashleigh Feldmann, and Samuel Ries, devoted son to the late John Ries and Alice (Bill) Culis, brother and brother in law to Julia(the late Mike) Gregorious, Patty(the late Donald) Dreste, the late Mary and Marty Williams, Donald Ries, Nancy (the late Jim) Babin, Carol (Mark) Lee, Joe (Vicky) Ries, Mark (Vicki) Ries, David Culis , Gene, Mark and the late Mike Camp; adored uncle to many nieces and nephews, and friend to countless.
Tom bravely fought heart disease for many years but succumbed after a brief battle with cancer.
Tom was a one-of-a-kind man who charmed all he encountered and selflessly cared for those around him. He was quick to offer a joke and was a steadfast pillar in his large family.
He loved his family, especially his grandkids, enjoyed the casino, horse races, caring for his pool, Cardinals baseball, and watching old Western movies.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held at Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road Affton, Missouri 63123) – Wednesday July 30 4:00-8:00 PM; funeral service Thursday July 31, 11:30 AM at Kutis Affton Chapel. Inurnment JB National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/ and the American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/ in his name would be appreciated.
“A funeral is a family reunion, minus one.” – Tom Ries
I’m so sorry for Tommy’s passing. He was always the funny, wise cracking cousin and I’m sure he was a great Dad. So soon following his sister, maybe to show her the way. Love to all the family. Peace.
I’m heartbroken to learn of his passing. Such a wonderful person. He will be missed! Many great memories thru the years.
I’m so sad to hear of Tommy’s death. May his large and wonderful family find love and peace in all the memories of his life.
My brother Tommy .. my first Hero ,to say he will be missed is not justice to any other … Our sister Mary Alice may have needed his strength to open those gates ..
I asked him to please don’t hold them closed when it’s my time .. ( He loved a joke! ) Even commenting one of his last jokes … how do you know we are going to same place !?
Will love and miss him Forever 😇
I’m going to miss Tom so much. He was such a fun person, always with his jokes, compliments when you never knew if he meant them or not, opening his house for parties with all our friends and just fun to talk to. I know he struggled a long time with his breathing and things, now he is in Heaven with God relieved from all that. Tom I love you and hopefully you are in peace. We will all watch over and take care of Sue for you. Thinking of you a lot.
Sorry for your loss.
Dear Sue and Family,
Tom was such a joy to be around and always made me laugh. He always had a great sense of humor and he was the kind of person where you picked up where you left off from the last time you’d seen him. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
So very sorry for your loss. You and Tom were so loved by so many people. He will certainly be missed 💔
So very sorry for your loss. You and your family were blessed to have shared your lives with such a good man. May all the happy memories bring you peace now and in the future.
Sue and Family
I was just notified of Tom’s passing and in shock hearing the news. I’m so sorry I didn’t get the opportunity to celebrate his life by attending his services. He was such a “character”. Quick witted and caring through so many times of feeling poorly. He is pain free now. He will be missed by so many.
I am so devastated to to earn of Tom’s passing so soon after Mary Alice. I always remember Tom coming to visit the Smith kids when we lived on Clifton Ave. and we were playing monopoly one time and Tom ended up owning all the properties, all the money and the bank. Never saw anyone do that ever. We had a great day together. I reminded him about it at one of the family reunions and he didn’t remember it. Well, I shall always have a precious memory of him and his family.
My condolences to all his family. I will miss him and Mary Alice.