THOMAS EATCHEL
1954 ~ 2018
Salt Lake City Utah-Thomas Glen Eatchel, 63, beloved husband, father and grandfather, was blessed to return to his Heavenly Father on January 2, 2018, for a great celebratory reunion to be with his beloved mother, brother Calvin, and many others near and dear to his heart.
Thomas was born March 4, 1954 at the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City to Bud Thomas and Betty Hofmann Eatchel. Thomas met Dianne, the girl in his dream, in an institute class. On September 17th 1976, Thomas and Dianne were sealed for Time & All Eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.
Thomas is survived by his wife Dianne, his father Bud Thomas Eatchel, and his children: Thomas, Steven (Lindsay), David (Kerrissa) and Angela (Alex), eight grandchildren, three brothers: Daniel(Laura), Andrew, and Kenneth(Ann), and his sister Kathryn(Dean).
Thomas led a great life of service and charity and touched many, many lives with his kindness and compassion. He served his mission in Pennsylvania and held a variety of other callings throughout his life, many of them involved utilizing his electrical and technical skills as an audio visual specialist for over twenty years, in addition to serving an inner city service mission with his wife to the refugee LDS Columbus Branch and most recently serving in branch presidencies for rest homes in the South Salt Lake area. He was also a scoutmaster for a number of years. In addition to his great legacy of service within the LDS church, he served on a volunteer basis for many years with: The American Red Cross, IRC, FEMA, AVERT, Utah Arts Council and SSLC CERT. He instructed CPR for the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. He served with the SSLC Fire Department, as a volunteer EMT, and as an Honorary Colonel for the SSLC Police Department. He served as President of the SSLC Lions Club, directed the electrical and sound for the Fourth and Twenty-fourth of July Celebrations for both SSLC and Cottonwood Heights.
He had a great love for his immediate and extended family. The essence of Thomas's life was truly one of service and love for his fellow man. He would, in nearly all occasions of his life, be found doing a service for a community organization, individual in the community or member of his family. Thomas worked for a number of years for the SLC, Jordan and Canyons School Districts in a variety of professional capacities (HC-Campus Operations, CPO - Pool Operations, BPO - Boiler Plant Operations, AM - Auditorium and Technical Operations and HS - Horticulture Specializations). Thomas indeed leaves a legacy of service hard to match.
Viewings will be held Tuesday, January 9th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Wednesday, January 10th from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at the Central Park Ward, 304 E. 2700 S., in Salt Lake City. The funeral will follow the Wednesday viewing and will begin at 11:00 am at the Central Park Ward. Dedication of the grave will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery (corner of 280 E. and Center Street).
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1972 South High Web Site Crew
A True-Blue Cub!! Tom never missed a reunion! He helped with set up and sound system and in every other way he could! He loved to tell the story about locking up our dear old "South High" for the last time, as the last of the custodial staff to leave. We will miss you, Tom...RIP
Rudy Benoit
I remember Tom well, a good friend and just an all around good guy.
Heidi Hilton (Post)
Over the years, Tom has been such a big part of our Reunions. I realized how much I will miss him,he was always first to arrive and last to leave. It seems like it was just a bit ago and he was sharing his story with us all! We left our last reunion with a prayer in our hearts for Tom and all that he was struggling with. Tom... May the Lord bless you and all of your family with peace. Heidi Hilton Post
Kelly Husbands
God Speed, Tom. Give our best to the others....
Carolyn Burningham (Lawrence)
I hadn't seen Tom in years until our 45th reunion at Liberty Park in SLC. The first thing I said to him was "you look the same!" Even though he was ailing he had not aged in my eyes. He was always a steady, consistent, soft spoken guy. He will be missed...
Rainer H Lange
God Bless rest in peace!!
Mitzi Hencley
I was very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I didn't know him well in High School, but got to know him during our 40th reunion. He was a great guy, that would do anything for anyone. My condolences to his family.
Margie Stoffers (Peterson)
Thomas,
Thanks for being my friend and a great inspiration to me. I didn't have the time to spend with you this last reunion as I did the the 40th, and for that I regret. Time is to short but knowing we will see each other again I find peace. Thanks again for touching my life as you did. A friend always, Margie
Cindy Whipple (Wilhite)
I didn't know Tom in high school but remember him being a presence there---like all the reunions since then. A quiet presence.. This past 45th reunion I remember my husband talking to Tom, getting to know him as they discussed different subjects and the trials surrounding his health. I listened and thought as many of you have commented---I wish I had gotten to know him, I mean really talk to him. After reading his obituary, I came to realize the many special qualities he had cultivated throughout his life---again in his own quiet way. I visited Pres. Monsons grave on Saturday and knew that Tom was also buried days before in this same resting place. Knowing how overwhelmingly big this cemetery was, I was surprised that both graves were quite close to one another, just through the trees. I reflected looking down at Tom's grave how those on the other side were blessed as he now continued on with his journey there! I pray for his family and those who were close to him. May they find peace during those trying moments and comfort knowing he left a great legacy for those who will follow. May you rest in peace Tom....