Thomas Willden

Thomas "TJ" Willden passed away on Wednesday March 27, 2024 at his home in Centerfield Utah.

TJ was born January 11, 1983, to Stacy Scott and Yvonne Jenkins Willden at Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah.

Thomas married Heather Erin Minter, May 19, 2008, in Gunnison, Utah they have four beautiful children together.

Thomas is survived by his parents Stacy & Yvonne Willden, wife Heather Willden; children, William Willden, Joshua Willden, Elizabeth Willden, Bridget Willden; siblings Amanda Willden, Felicia Willden. Preceded in death by grandparents William Thomas & Shirley Willden and great grandmother Estella Funk Jenkins.

TJ was a career Correctional Officer, employed at the Central Utah Correctional Facility in Gunnison Utah from 2003 until his death. He was very good at his job and was able to communicate and function effectively with Incarcerated people. He understood that not all incarcerated people are evil and that they had lives outside the corrections system.

TJ was a kind and compassionate person who harbored no ill will towards anyone. He made friends easily and valued each and every one of his friends.

TJ found joy in his family and went to great lengths to spend time with his wife, heather, and his children. He could be found on his days off in the local mountains four wheeling, motorcycling, hunting, fishing and camping with Heather and the kids.

TJ's passion for motorcycling led him to become a member of the Full Throttle Full Mag Motorcycle Riding Association-Utah Chapter. He held the position of Road Captain where he planned recreational rides and road trips for members and friends. His knowledge as a mechanic was a benefit to all of his motorcycle riding friends.

TJ particularly enjoyed participating in motorcycle related events that supported the community. As an FTFM Road Captain he was instrumental in putting on the Inaugural Gut Check Benefit Ride that takes place in Gunnison on the United We March-Gut Check event weekend. He also often participated in missions with the Utah Patriot Guard Riders, honoring and remembering past and present military and public safety professionals.

TJ imagined that one day in retirement he would operate a power sports repair shop and conduct motorcycle tours of Utah and the surrounding states.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held April 19, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in the Old Rock Church in Centerfield, UT, (150 S Main). Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com