Thomas Heaps
Salina, Utah
Thomas Heber Heaps, 86, of Salina, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, peacefully in the resting care at the Sandstone Care Facility in Richfield. Tom was born December 6, 1937 in Escalante, the son of William Lester and Tyresha Ann Leola Woolsey Heaps. He had a large family consisting of 5 boys and 4 girls.
Tom grew up in Escalante until he was 14, then spent a couple of years in Salina before going back to Escalante to graduate from high school in 1956. He spent several years working different jobs. Working for farmers with the crops, going with his brother to work in the saw mills. He came back to Salina to work at Sun Valley Coal Co. He then met the love of his life, DelRita Peterson, while attending a basketball game in Gunnison. They were married shortly after she graduated on June 25, 1958 in Axtel. DelRita preceded him in death on October 1, 2023
Leaving the mines for a short period, Tom eventually ended up going back to the mining industry working at SufCo mine as a foreman for 30 years, until back issues forced his retirement. Tom enjoyed his time in the mining industry, learning new procedures and working with the development of young miners.
An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tom enjoyed helping with the scouting program in his younger years. In his later years, he taught at the prison. He loved doing genealogy work also.
He enjoyed gardening, boating and outdoors. His biggest hobby was his woodworking of all kinds. He had cut out figurines for every holiday. He spent a lot of his time loving and taking care of grandchildren.
Tom is survived by his children: Shannon (Tammy) Heaps, Monroe; Tony (Jeannine) Heaps, Monroe; Kim (Paul) White, LaVerkin; Ricky Heaps, Salina; 7 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson; and many step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Thelma Johnson, Dixie Carter, Larry Heaps.
He is also preceded in death by his parents; Evan Schow, Ann Dalebout, Marlin Heaps, Dar Heaps and Millard Heaps.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 30, at 11:00 a.m. in the Salina Stake Center. Viewings will be held at the stake center Wednesday evening from 6-7 p.m. and Thursday morning from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Salina Eastside Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com
