Tom Phelon

Thomas Richard Phelon passed from his mortal existence on April 13, 2025, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with a rare form of cancer.

Tom was born on September 17, 1960, in Westfield, Massachusetts. He was the fourth of ten children born to Kathryn Afleck Rich and John Wells Phelon. Growing up on a large fruit farm, Thomas or Tom-Moose, as his family would say, developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of gardening—two strengths that would define much of his life.

In 1973, the Phelon family moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah, where Tom attended junior high and high school. At Pleasant Grove High School, Tom discovered his passion and talent for wrestling. During his junior year, he lost only one match and won the state championship. As a senior, he became the undefeated state champion. He was a force on the mat—driven, disciplined, and relentless. And the crowd loved him. Every time Tom stepped into a match, the gym would erupt with chants of “Phee-Phee! Phee-Phee!” echoing through the bleachers, a nickname-turned-battle cry that made it clear who they were rooting for. It was just the beginning of his remarkable wrestling career, powered by a “Rocky-style” drive and determination that never let up. The summer of 1978, Tom was selected to join the international wrestling team, where he traveled across the country competing at various schools. He went undefeated throughout the tour, showcasing not only his exceptional skill but also his unwavering dedication. And of course—being tall, athletic, and sporting a head of curly hair—Tom quickly caught the attention of many. His quiet confidence and natural charm didn’t go unnoticed, especially by the ladies.

Tom’s love story with Valerie Madsen began in their sophomore year of high school. When Tom first asked Val out, she didn’t realize he was actually asking her on a date. Thankfully, he was persistent—and she eventually said yes. Their connection grew quickly, and during high school, they were nominated as Sweethearts. As part of the tradition, each couple had to come up with a slogan—and theirs was “Val-en-Tom’s Day.” It stuck. From that moment on, “Val-en-Tom’s Day” became their signature, and every Valentine’s Day for the rest of their lives, they celebrated not just love, but their one-of-a-kind partnership.

While serving his mission in Chicago, Illinois, Tom took part in a fundraiser for muscular dystrophy—a cause that held deep personal meaning. The event featured a wrestling match with a famous bear named Viktor, and of course, Tom stepped into the ring. Though he didn’t take Viktor down, Viktor didn’t take Tom down either—an incredibly rare feat with that particular bear. But what made the moment unforgettable wasn’t just the spectacle—it was the heart behind it. The fundraiser supported muscular dystrophy research, a cause especially close to Tom’s heart because his beloved brother David had been diagnosed with the disease. When Tom first learned of David’s diagnosis as a boy, he said to his mother, “I don’t want him to have muscular dystrophy—I’ll take it from him.” When she gently told him he couldn’t, Tom did the next best thing: he carried David everywhere. Whether it was hiking, a water slide, or climbing up stadium stairs, if David wanted to go, Tom made sure he got there. His fellow missionaries all came to support him at the event, but Tom’s strength that day came from something deeper than muscles—it came from love.

Upon returning home, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Valerie, in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 11, 1982. Just two months later, the newlyweds moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where Tom attended North Idaho College. There, he became the Junior College National Wrestling Champion. He later completed his education at Utah State University in Logan.
Tom had a playful spirit and a signature way of saying hello: by picking you up and flipping you upside down—or wrestling you right there on the spot. No one was safe from his friendly takedowns, especially those he loved most. During his time in Coeur d’Alene, one of his closest friends, Jamie, would often find himself in spontaneous wrestling matches with Tom. They didn’t move the furniture—wrestling moved the furniture. Their wives would anxiously hover nearby, doing their best to protect the lamps and couches while the house shook with laughter (and body slams). It didn’t matter your age or size—if Tom thought you needed a good laugh (or a humble takedown), he was happy to deliver.

In the 1990s, Tom taught high school and coached wrestling, leading his team to win the state title every year during his tenure. He was named Coach of the Year three times and mentored countless young athletes, leaving a legacy of excellence and integrity.

Tom and Valerie were blessed with two sons and one daughter: McKay, Kimball, and Kamarie. Above all, Tom’s greatest priority was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and later, a deeply cherished grandfather. His faith was an important part of who he was, but it was through his role as a husband and father that he lived it most fully. He never missed an opportunity to gather with loved ones, and his joy only grew deeper when the true gems of his life—his grandchildren—were born. If the grandkids were around, “Papa Tom” was right there with them, usually down on the floor wrestling, laughing, or telling stories with that mischievous sparkle in his eye.
One of Tom’s greatest joys was gardening. A master gardener, he could coax life out of even the most unlikely soil. If there was a chance something might grow, Tom would plant it, nurture it, and give it “Tom’s touch.” Every fall, he and Valerie harvested their large garden and generously shared the bounty with friends and neighbors.

Tom was constantly in the service of others—always helping, always giving. But he did it so quietly and humbly that many never knew just how much he did. He never sought recognition or praise. He simply wanted to make someone’s life a little easier—and if there was something he could do to help, he did it with love, without hesitation.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents John and Katherine Affleck Rich Phelon, and two brothers, David Phelon and John Phelon. He is survived by his beloved wife Valerie; their children McKay (Maile), Kimball, and Kamarie; and his cherished grandchildren Mili, Malakai, and Mari and their bonus grandchildren Oaklie, Hazlie, Kody, Karlie. He is also survived by his siblings: Stephen (Martha), James (Jeanie), Paul (Inger), Mary Ann (Boyd) Esplin, Daniel (Carla), Peter (Stephanie), and Joseph (Cynthia); sister-in-law Lynette Phelon—as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends he considered family.

Service are under the direction of Olpin Family Mortuary in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Sucnrest 3rd Ward Chapel; 95 North 600 West, Orem, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing before the service at the church from 9:00 - 10:45 AM. The interment will follow at the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.

On Friday, April 25, 2025, an evening viewing will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Olpin Family Mortuary; 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Condolences may be sent to the family at olpinmortuary.com.
You are invited to share memories of Tom both on his memorial page and at the following link - https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/xDDZQ8En (copy/paste)