Obituary for Leland Dale Tom: May 22, 1960 to September 18, 2025

Leland Dale Tom passed away early Thursday morning, September 18, 2025 at his home in Yerington, Nevada.  He was 65.

Leland was born in Schurz, Nevada on May 22, 1960 the son of Marian (Conway) of Yerington and George Tom of Coleville, California.  He was raised in Yerington and attended schools in Yerington, graduating from Yerington High School.  While he was in high school he was active in wrestling.

Leland was employed as a mechanic for Lyon County School District; he enjoyed this profession and working every day.  He enjoyed working on cars and began building demolition derby cars to be entered in the demo derby in Yerington every year at the Lyon County Fair.  He won several times and participated in the Fair for over 40 years.  Cars were his life.  He was also employed with the Yerington Paiute Tribal Housing Authority as a Carpenter for over 5 years.  He worked on residents’ cars when they needed repair, and always knew what was wrong with a car by just starting it up.   Leland was always available to lend a hand to anyone who needed help, and he never turned anyone away.

Leland met Diane Eagle and they were married in 1990.  The following year their son, Richard Frank Tom was born; Leland was so happy to have a son to teach him all his mechanic skills.  Leland and Diane became huge supporters to their son when he started his music and band.  They attended every practice & every show; and enjoyed traveling to the many towns and various places to show their support.  Leland enjoyed going to many concerts, meeting bands and tons of people while collecting memorabilia from so many bands.  Leland kept up with the Demolition Derby life and enjoyed teaching his son everything he knew about cars & about building cars from the ground up until his passing.

He is survived by his son, Richard Frank Tom; his brother, Lyle Richie Tom; and numerous cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lance Tom; and his wife, Diane Eagle Tom. 

Leland’s graveside service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Valley View Tribal Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Road in Yerington.  A potluck reception will be held following the service at the Yerington Paiute Tribe’s Elder Center.  Family and friends are invited to sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net.

Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, Nevada 89447  (775) 463-2911.

Just a few of the dozens of times that Leland was named in the Mason Valley News: