Thomas Elton Bills

Thomas Elton Bills, age 92, passed away on April 28, 2023. He was born January 31, 1931, to Elton Bills and Isabelle Butterfield Bills in Herriman, Utah. He was the second oldest of his nine siblings.

Tom graduated from Jordan High School in 1949, then enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War and served in Japan and married his first wife Barbara Cole, together they had two daughters and one son. Then in 1985 Tom married the love of his life, Judy Eades, in Douglas, WY and he became the loving stepfather to Judy's two children.

Tom always had a strong work ethic that began as a young child working in the beet fields with his grandpa and helping his dad with farm chores. This work ethic continued throughout his life as he began working at Kennecott Copper mine as an oiler, an electric shovel operator and as a member of the Operating Engineers. He took a leave of absence from Kennecott and became a Local 3 Union Rep and later a district rep, to better the lives of the working men and women. Tom eventually returned to the work he loved, operating the electric shovel until he retired in 1994.

Between his school days, Air Force career, Operating days, Union days and bowling teams, Tom made many lifelong friends.

Tom and Judy enjoyed many years of RVing, managing campgrounds, summers in Star Valley, golfing and Tom's favorite sport, bowling. He enjoyed sharing his dutch oven cooking, barbequing and ice cream making skills with friends and family. Tom’s daughter Cheryl and her husband Audie recently introduced Tom to cornhole, which he enjoyed playing with them and making new friends.

Tom is survived by his wife, Judy, daughter Cheryl Anderson, son in-law Audie Anderson, brothers Earl Bills, Dennis Bills, Ray Bills, sister Beth Richter, stepchildren Susan Eades (Karen) and Chad Eades (Shauna), grandchildren Brian Fishburn, Brittany Gilbert, Sara Bills, Cortney Bills, Ashlee Bills Hoyt, and Blake Sevald and several great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his mother, father, brothers Lionel, Brent, and Byron, sisters Alta and Verlaine and children Cory and Martha.

We would like to thank SunTree Hospice, Beehive Home and Staff, Janie Earle, NP., and many friends and neighbors for their love, care, and thoughtfulness.

Please join us in celebrating his life Saturday morning, May 20, 2023, at 10:00 am, at the SunRiver Community Center Ballroom, 4275 Country Club Drive, St. George, Utah, 84790, please stay and enjoy a light lunch and beverage after the service.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you enjoy the days ahead and spend time with those you love.