Thomas LeRoy Behunin

Thomas LeRoy Behunin, “Tom,” 81, of Orem, Utah, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Tom battled pulmonary fibrosis and heart disease for several months prior to his death, and was taken to the hospital on Wednesday, May 27th where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and influenza. He passed away later that evening in the Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem. Tom was born on May 4, 1945, in Carbon County, Utah, to George Harold and Velda Hartle Behunin. He married his eternal sweetheart, Judy Ann Broderick, on November 21, 1975, in Bountiful, Utah. The couple was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, beginning a beautiful love story and devoted partnership that will endure throughout eternity. As a teenager, Tom participated in athletics and received first place honors and the Letter Award in both Track and Basketball when he was in Junior High. He went on to play basketball as a high schooler. Although he was only 5’9” he was a star player on the Regional Basketball team. Following high school, Tom served a mission for the LDS Church in the Northwestern States Mission. Tom had an unwavering commitment to his LDS faith and to his family. He was often described as patient, kind, and soft-spoken. He was a gentle man. Tom was known for leading by quiet example and deep, steadfast love. He worked hard throughout his life to provide for his large family and to better himself. He embraced technology early, when computers were still emerging, he earned a degree in electronic engineering—reflecting his curious, forward-thinking mind and strong determination. Tom was a graduate of both BYU and the University of Utah. He taught junior high but found his passion in teaching the students at Utah County’s Youth correctional Facility, Slate Canyon. One of Tom’s favorite Church callings was serving as a counselor in the bishopric for the Lake Ridge Senior Living Care Center. Above all, Tom cherished his wife Judy and all of his children. His steady presence, quiet strength, and unconditional love shaped their lives in profound and lasting ways. Family members appreciated the many ways he supported each one of them, even in the moments when they tested his patience. His quiet humor and steady demeanor often brought calm and laughter to their lively household. Tom’s family wishes to express deep appreciation to his daily caregiver Ashtin Rasmussen, Lori Brooks, Addison Cloward and many other neighbors, his weekly ministering brother Russ Tolman, Bishop Herrick for all his support, the Elder’s quorum president, Cameron Coardner and the Quorum in getting Tom moved to the main level as his health declined. Family members also supported Tom every week through months of illness including Kay Rowan, Sherry and Robin Blaize, Linda Behunin, Robyn Knudsen, and Matt and Jeanene Behunin. Appreciation is also extended to his Canyon Palliative Care Team and his Enhabit Hospice caregivers. Tom is survived by Mike (Sherri), Jaron (Irene), and Bryce (Jalyn) Behunin, Melinda (David) Amata, Kimberly, David, Kelly, Zoe, and Alicea (Sebastian) Behunin—and 32 beloved grandchildren. His surviving siblings include Matthew and Rex Behunin, Joan Pitts Behunin, Linda Christensen Behunin, Marilyn (Larry) Stipe, Clarnell Harper, LeeAnn Sudbury, and Rex (Jana) Behunin. Tom is also survived by Judy’s siblings, Ralph (Marian), Dale (Gaylynn), and Steve (Jennie) Broderick and Sherry (Robin) Blaize. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Judy and their baby boy Jordan Glen Behunin, his parents George Harold and Velda Behunin, Judy’s parents, Glen and Lurrine Broderick, his brothers Max, George Frank, and John Behunin, Richard Harper and Craig Sudbury, and his sister Jessie and her husband Ted Tucker. Services for Thomas L. Behunin will be held in the Springwater 4th Ward, 1810 West Springwater Drive, Orem, Utah on Tuesday, June 2nd at 11:00 AM. Friends and family may pay their last respects at a gathering in the Relief Society Room from 10:00 - 10:45 AM. For those who are joining remotely, the link is https://youtube.com/live/ACxJYqYtf3g?feature=share Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem, Utah on Thursday, June 4th following a short graveside service at 12:00 Noon.

Thomas LeRoy Behunin

May 4, 1945 - May 27, 2026