Thomas Hugh Neilson

Thomas Hugh Neilson passed away on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his family. Thomas was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1936, in Mohrland, Utah, the youngest and last surviving of seven children born to James Neilson and Isabelle Carrick. Tom grew up in the tight knit coal mining town of Hiawatha, Utah. Those that grew up in Hiawatha stayed close through the years with summer gatherings which Thomas attended each year until his health declined.

Honest Tom, as he was called by family and friends, joined the Air Force in 1956 and spent most of his military service in Europe. Tom married Clone Elizabeth Walters in 1961. Together they had three children, Michael Thomas Neilson, Lisa Michelle Powers (Mike Justesen), and Timothy Dale Neilson (Tricia Neilson). Tom was blessed with five grandchildren, Joshua James Betts, Mischa Clone Neilson (deceased), Brandon Michael Schnars (Paige Schnars), Logan Timothy Neilson, and Morgan Patricia Neilson. Just weeks ago Tom was able to meet his first great grandchild, Tommy Fischer Schnars.

Tom was employed by KFC in 1969 and managed a store for 27 years where he received many company awards and spent time with all the wonderful friends he met through the company. Upon his retirement he became an avid golfer and tracker of Clone’s spending via the computer while she was out shopping. Tom was a funny and caring man who loved people and was always there for his family. We will miss him and his wit, including such sayings as “Bah Humbug” at Christmas time and “Say Chickennn” when family photos were taken. We will miss all his stories about his youth in Hiawatha, the first dollar he ever made, his days in the military, and the chicken store. See you later Papa, save us a piece of pumpkin pie!

The Neilson family would like to thank extended family and friends for their support. We would also like to thank the amazing staff from Active Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Tom during his final days.