- Date Of Birth: July 23, 1924
- Date Of Death: October 19, 2022
- State: Utah
Thomas James Stuart, 98, passed away at his home on Wednesday October 19, 2022. He was born July 23, 1924 in Evanston, WY, to Milton John and Clara Elmina Parkinson Stuart.
His early years were spent in Evanston, WY. When he was in the fourth grade his family moved to Springville, UT and then in his senior year of high school to Ogden, UT. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1942.
He was a member of the Greatest Generation. In November of 1942 the World War II draft age was lowered to 18, and he was the first 18-year-old drafted in Weber County. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a radar operator on the Destroyer Escort USS Brough.
After World War II, he returned to Ogden and earned an associate degree from Weber College. He then furthered his education at the University of Utah where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
He married Barbara Fern Blanch on November 28, 1953, in Ogden, UT. They made their home In Ogden and are the parents of 5 children, Bonnie, Kathy, Michael, Darin and Mary. They remained in Ogden until they moved to their home in Roy in 1969.
He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a Fireman, Engineer, and was promoted to the U.P. Staff as Road Supervisor of Motive Power. As Road Supervisor he was responsible for Steam Engines 3985 and 8444, The Living Legend. These steam engines travelled to many cities, rail fairs, and celebrations all over the country, including the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, LA. He enjoyed the rail fans and was generous with his time and knowledge. He had a job he loved and retired in 1989 after nearly 40 years.
After retirement, he liked taking daytrips with his brother Ronald and any other buddies or family members that wanted to go along. He has probably been to every near and remote attraction in Northern Utah. He liked to go places and see things. He loved his family and liked having fun.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children Bonnie, Kathy, Michael and Darin and grandchildren Dylan Erickson, Jocelyn Stuart and Wyatt Stuart.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Mary; sister, Edith Stuart and brother, Ronald Stuart.
The family would like to express thanks to Applegate HomeCare and Hospice and especially his nurse, Jan, for her service to our dad on his final journey.
