Thomas H DeSpain

1942 - 2025

Gone too soon

 Tom left us Saturday morning, January 25th, 2025, to return to his Father in Heaven. He was born February 22, 1942 to John Gordan DeSpain and Velda Healy, in American Fork, UT. He was the 5th child born to John and Velda and they would go on to have four more, making a total of 9 kids. 

He had many jobs growing up and was always working hard and saving money. When he was in High School, he played football and basketball and was part of the FFA (Future Farmers of America). 

He graduated from American Fork High School and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the New England States Mission. While on his mission he started writing to a young lady named Maureen Taylor. After he returned home, she quickly became the love of his life. Tom and Maureen were married in the Logan, UT temple on September 5, 1963; They have two children: Andrew (Wendy) and Myshelle. 

He loved going fishing with his friends. He caught “The big one” while at Flaming Gorge and had it mounted where it hangs with pride in the foyer of their home.

You could frequently find him driving his sky blue ‘57 T-Bird around the neighborhood and when the grandkids came along, he loved including them on the rides.

His favorite title was that of Grandpa. He loved his grandchildren more than anything.

He tended to his amazing yard daily, mowing two to three times a week. His flower beds bloomed with bright vibrant colors and Maureen’s impressive snowball bushes.

Tom served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1972 and he was fortunate enough to have Maureen by his side. They lived in Germany and the surrounding areas until 1968.

He graduated from Ricks College and Utah State University and served faithfully in many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Tom had a successful 30+ years career under five Murray City mayors and served as the Water Superintendent, Public Works Operation Manager and the Public Services Deputy Director, as well as many other positions before.

His playful teasing and sense of humor were hallmarks of his personality. He was well known for playing Santa Clause and attended many family and company parties where he amazed the children with his knowledge of how they had behaved during the year.

This was his special trick to fooling them and everyone loved it.

After retiring he enjoyed gold-leafing the Moroni statues for the LDS Temples.

He is survived by his wife, his children; grandchildren (Amanda (Dennis), Jacob, Brendan, Lex; great grandchildren (Dennis and Grayson); and his siblings (Janet Jensen, Jocyle Elmer, Rhonda Webb, Randall DeSpain, and Layna DeSpain). He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bud and Joel and sister, Karen.

An evening viewing will be held Friday, February 7, 2025 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Camelot Park Ward Building (7255 South 2200 West, West Jordan, Utah). Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:00am at the same church with a viewing one hour prior. His interment will be at the West Jordan Cemetery (7925 South 1300 West, West Jordan, Utah) following the funeral. Funeral services will be livestreamed through the Ward, to watch please click on the link provided https://zoom.us/j/98215766118

Arrangements are made under the direction of Goff Mortuary, 8090 State Street, Midvale, Utah, (801-255-7151). In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the LDS Humanitarian Services.