Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Gary Tom Obituary
Cedar City, Utah - Gary Lee Tom peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 9, 2020 after his valiant fight with health complications. He began his final journey to play the golf courses in the sky.
Gary was born on April 29, 1948 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Bill Tom and Arlene Myers Tom. He was the oldest of three brothers and one sister, who died in infancy. He attended school in St. George, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Gary excelled in little league baseball and all high school sports. He was an excellent musician and played the trombone in the school band.
Gary married his childhood sweetheart Bernie Button on November 23, 1966.They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple. The young couple headed to Dixie College, where he majored in music education and was a member of a jazz band that performed all around Southern Utah and in Las Vegas. He also played infield on the baseball team. He continued his education at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona where he earned a Bachelor Degree in music education and Master's Degree in education administration.
Gary taught music classes and coached in Ganado Arizona, Sells Arizona and Kayenta Arizona. His choir and bands put on some very impressive Christmas and end of year concerts. In 1976, he moved his family to Cedar City, Utah to work in the Multicultural Center at Southern Utah State College. He also worked as the education director for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was an important part of his life. He held many positions and gave many priesthood blessings serving for branches on the Indian reservations and Iron Mission Branch in Cedar City Utah. He deeply loved all the members of the branch and they were truly his brothers and sisters.
Gary was a part of the Winter Olympic Games in 2002. He traveled to Greece to bring the Olympic torch to Salt Lake City and was one of the Native American flute performers in the opening ceremony. He enjoyed sharing this talent and played his Indian flute on many occasions. One special occasion was being able to perform at the Cedar City Temple cultural celebration.
Gary was known as a good golfer, but his greatest accomplishment was being a father and grandfather. He coached many t-ball and football teams when his children were young. He attended hundreds of ball games to cheer for his children and grandchildren. Gary and Bernie have nine children, five sons and four daughters.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bernie Tom and eight children, Tonya Petty (Bobby Sims, deceased), (Brandon Petty, deceased), Merrillee Chamberlain (Robert), Clay Tom (Teresa), Brady Tom, Shoni John (Elton), Sheldon Tom, Jake Tom all of Cedar City, Utah and Shawna Shepherd (Dale) of St. George Utah. Twenty-four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. One brother, Russ Tom of Fredonia Arizona.
He was preceded in death by a son, Craig Tom, his parents, a brother Sam Tom, a sister Gaylyn Tom and two nephews Mitch Tom, Rusty Tom.
We know that he will continue to look over us and we will all be together again.
A viewing will be held at the Southern Utah Mortuary on Tuesday December 15, 2020 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.
The family funeral service can be viewed on Wednesday December 16, 2020 at 10:00 am. Streaming of service will be available on Gary's obituary page at www.sumortuary.com .
Interment will be on the Kaibab Indian Reservation in Arizona under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent at www.sumortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Tom
Sponsored by Southern Utah Mortuary - Cedar City.
M. Jay Parker
October 4, 2021
I knew Gary for over 25 years, it hit me like a shot from a 44 to learn 10 months after he had been released from this mortal existence. He is and will be missed by me. Walk the red road in peace, my brother, see you later. Greet my father for me. Hoka hay. I wish I could have returned to the red rock country to have seen you again,
Tim Judd
February 19, 2021
Gary was a fantastic friend. He was always giving me a bad time and enjoyed it every minute. He is a great friend his family is a part of my family and will forever be missed
Mavourneen Lamb
January 1, 2021
Bernie and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for the memories.
Love you.
Julie Spevak
December 17, 2020
Dear Bernie and Family,
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Gary! He was a great, kind man! We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family! Love, Loretta Rosenberg, Hug, Julie, JoAnna and Jeanette
Bob Whitelaw
December 16, 2020
As a young boy (nearly 40 years ago!) I sat and watched Gary on the front porch of his house pick through an assortment of interesting looking rocks. He picked up a big, black, glassy one and started chipping away at it. After some time I realized what he was doing and I watched with amazement as that piece of black rock got smaller & smaller, sharper & sharper, and more & more detailed. He didn't say much, but that day Gary taught me how to make an arrowhead out of obsidian... Still one of the coolest things I've seen (that was before video games & cell phones). More recently, my wife and I enjoyed watching and listening to Gary's performance in Parowan where we live now. Thank you Brady & the entire Tom family for taking me in so many years ago! I spent a lot of fun days over at your house (and running away from Craig too!). Gary will be missed by many. ♥
Maralyn and Richard Dotson
December 16, 2020
We are sad at the loss of Gary. We are happy for him and know he will be busy and associating with Craig and other loved ones. We love you,Bernie, and your family.
Becky Hall
December 16, 2020
I wish to send my thoughts and prayers to the family of Gary Tom. He was a business associate who we enjoyed meeting in Las Vegas at the Native American Economic Summit. I considered him a good friend. I will truly miss him.
Nathaniel Hunkup
December 16, 2020
Gary, I know you're in a better place and say hello to all our relatives on the other side.
Jerry Mitchell
December 16, 2020
I will miss Brother Tom. I only had a short time to meet and now him, but I know he was a true disciple of Christ.
Carol, Candido, Damyan... Lefevre
December 16, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.. Gary was a wonderful man, I have known Gary since I was just a a little girl, I haven't seen him for a few month's, the last memories I have of Gary is when my son was experiencing some personal problems, I called Gary and explained to him the whole situation,and Gary being the kind and caring person he is, Gary came to my home and he blessed my son, Gary prayed for my son after the blessing and before. Gary did amazing he helped my son through his tough time and gave my son his life back, my son was very broken hearted, his exact words were "Mom I need to go to Gary's viewing at the mortuary, I need to tell him thank you say bye to him for now until him and I meet again one day,my son says if it was not for Gary that he might not have made it through what he was dealing with,he says Gary saved his life,be looks at Gary like a hero.. My family and I semd all his family our prayers and love whike going through this tough time. We love you all..
Patti Eddington
December 16, 2020
I will miss this incredible friend. From all our interactions in American Indian Services, to golf courses (and a recent invite to play golf that I regrettably had to decline), to sitting with Gary at presentations (and quietly giggling). I learned so much from him--his generosity in sharing, his immense knowledge about all things in this world and the next, his belief in the hereafter, and his example in always having time to chat, and asking "how you doing, Friend?" And his wonderful presentations dressed in his Native Paiute finery and headdress, playing the flute...his impact was phenomenal in so many ways -- reaching across the land and many Nations to touch people. God Bless You, Gary Tom. I have always loved you and your inspirational messages. Rest in Peace.
Dana and Marlee Kanosh Harnes
December 16, 2020
Our deepest and loving condolences to the family of Gary. We will surely miss his kindness and caring heart. He left a big impact on I and Dana’s life. We bought a home a year and he was willing to come out and bless it for us. ❤ He always welcomed us into his home whenever we would stop by. You will never be forgotten Gary.
Keitti and Mars Jake
December 16, 2020
We are truly honored to have been able to know Gary! I have fond memories of him sitting with the little kids during their sacrament programs and hearing him sing those sweet songs about Jesus. There are many times that Gary had shown I and Mars kindness and we pray that we can follow his example and do the same for others. Tom family, you all are in our thoughts and prayers. ❤
Rodney and Sharon Batt
December 14, 2020
We are so sorry for the loss of Gary. He was a great man. We both remember him from the time he came to work at the University and we have watched as his family grew and became a great part of our community. Our children and grandchildren attended school, played sports and grew up together. We will remember his talent his smile and the great example was.
Ken Church
December 14, 2020
My memory of Gary was whatever he did he would excel. Hadn't seen him in a few years, sorry to hear of his passing.
Bary Frank
December 14, 2020
In life it is difficult to capture the essence of a man who impacted the lives of so many,the memories will live on in our hearts and soul. On behalf of the Frank family I would like to offer our condolences to the Tom family. Not only did Gary give respect but also earn the respect of those who were fortunate to have interacted with him throughout his life. I pray for strength and courage for all who are morning the loss of Gary during this difficult time. To bernie the children and grandchildren walk through life with your head held high to honor the memory of Gary Tom he will always be there to watch over you. God bless
JoAnn Jones
December 14, 2020
I didn't know Gary very well, but I do remember his beautiful flute playing at the temple cultural celebration. I do know you, Bernie, Tonya, and Dakota. Bernie, you helped our dear father (Gail Duncan) for a long time, and my brother Neuman and I appreciate you still. Tonya and Dakota, we missed you when you moved out of our Indian Hills Ward. I'm not sure I have seen you since then so I might not even recognize you, Dakota. This note is from my husband Dan and me. We send our love and sympathy at the passing of your spouse, father, and grandfather. May you find peace and joy as you think of him and await the grand reunion you will have one day. Much Love, JoAnn and Dan Jones
Cheryl Whitelaw
December 14, 2020
Gary was a wonderful, talented man. I have fond memories of meeting him and associating with his family in years past. Best wishes and love to his family!
William McBrearty
December 14, 2020
My wife and I served as Missionaries in the Iron Mission Branch when Mitch was the Branch President and we got to know and love Brother Gary and Sister Bernie pretty well. When we were released it left an emptiness in our hearts so we asked to be reassigned to the Branch when Gary swerved as the Branch President where he was kind and fatherly to all in the Branch. I will miss Gary very much but will remember our time with him fondly,
Lori Tait
December 13, 2020
To the family of Gary Tom I wish you Peace, love and memories! I truly respected him as a leader,father and friend he was there to listen as he did I wish him a safe journy.. my love to you all his family. With love Lori P. Tait
Effie Smith
December 13, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Priscilla Smith
December 13, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Randy Wutke
December 13, 2020
Gary was one of the GOOD GUYS. I met him at Cedar Ridge golf course about 14 years ago. I played and practiced with him many times. Gary was passionate about golf. His favorite shot was the Lee Trevino power fade. He would aim down the left side and curve the ball down the middle of the fairway. He could hit that shot time after time. Gary also had a great short game. I would see him on many summer mornings and evenings practicing his chipping and putting.
The thing that I remember most about Gary is his smile and kind words that he had every time that he greeted me. I have no doubt that because the way Gary lived his life he will have a spot reserved for him in heaven. When it is my time to go I will be looking forward to seeing him again. Until then I will often think of him and I will miss him.
Bill Fowler
December 13, 2020
I worked with Gary who was a great advocate for the Paiute youth of Southern Utah. I also golfed with him (he was amazing). He could hit a golf ball like a pro. He was so fun to be with and always had good things to say about everyone. My prayers and tender mercies go to his family.
Evan Wilcock
December 12, 2020
Will miss the association and friendship with Gaty. Best wishes for the family
Julie Smith
December 12, 2020
Gary has always been a person I looked up to and admired. His kind words when I was going to college, his ready smile and hugs will be missed. Stay strong family.
Kelly Beeson
December 12, 2020
Our condolences and prayers. Knew Gary from the Golf course in Beaver. He was an awesome man! Prayers
Doris Johnson
December 12, 2020
Sending my deepest condolences to the family of Cousin Gary Tom. May the Lord continue to strengthen and wrap you in his loving arms at this difficult time.
Fred Drye
December 12, 2020
First of all, condolences to all family members and may the creator look over all during this time of sorrow. Gary and I have shared many experiences, family, sports, and discussions about the tribe. His knowledge of education played an important role with our youth and tribe. During the southern Paiute claims, he assisted in writing the education plan which is used today. His work as the chairman assisted the to advance forward and we had discussion on tribal government. He will be missed by all, but, his teachings will live forever. On behalf of my family, we are truely sorry. Have strength. Fred Drye
Blackhawk Walters
December 12, 2020
What can one say when they lose a friend and a brother?
I moved to Utah 20 years ago and one of the first people I became friends with was Gary Tom. We ended up doing a lot of Indian Shows together, even did a movie together and we toured South Korea with a Native American Performing Group bunking together the whole journey.
Gary was always super intelligent and in the 'Native Way' he listened before he spoke and his words always carried wisdom. I remember the last time I saw him at a big meeting and I was sitting a few rows behind him, he turned around and gave me that great big wonderful smile of his and winked at me reminding me of our many hours spent together sharing our culture and reminding me know we are brothers in this life and the next. Their will be a great big hole in my heart knowing I won't get to ever see him again in this world, but I know in the next he will be there to meet me.
Vikki Arnau
December 12, 2020
An Old Friend. A new journey.
Gina Howard
December 12, 2020
I would like to express sincere condolences on behalf of the Zuniga family. Gary was always a mentor and someone we looked up to and respected. We will miss him and look forward to seeing him again...much love to Bernie and the family
Ted and Gina Zuniga-Howard and Family
Wendy Smith
December 11, 2020
Bernie and Family, what a void with the passing of Gary. Gary’s out going personally and friendship to so many will be greatly missed also. Gary impacted lots of lives.
Great Obituary
Bonnie’s Bishop
December 11, 2020
When my dad, VR Magleby was under the care of hospice, he really enjoyed listening to Gary play his flute. Dad spent many summers learning about different Native American tribes. He appreciated their history and talent. Thank you Gary for sharing your talent with him !
Tom Lovell
December 11, 2020
I'm having a rough time, losing one of my best friends is happening way to off, Thinking of the many trips Gary and I took together. Business and Golfing tournaments. His weekly call saying whats up Welber. don't play the back 9 until I get there buddy.
My Condolences to the Tom family.
All my love and respect .
Tom & Denice Lovell family
WILLIAM BEDDO
December 11, 2020
Gary thanks for the great inspirations, the spirit and the many thoughts of advice and guidance. God bless, Dale & Anne Beddo
Jordan family
December 11, 2020
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The loss of Gary will leave a giant hole in our community and in the hearts of many. God bless and keep each of you.
Love,
The Jordan Family
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Make a Donation
in Gary Tom's name
Memorial Events
for Gary Tom
Dec
15
Viewing
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Southern Utah Mortuary - Cedar City190 North 300 West, Cedar City, UT 84720-2508
Funeral services provided by:
Southern Utah Mortuary - Cedar City190 North 300 West, Cedar City, UT 84720-2508
How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Tom's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
