It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Emmett Box, of Washington, Utah, on June 28, 2026, at the age of 71. Tom passed away unexpectedly while in Springfield, Missouri, after spending the day doing one of the things he loved most—being on the water with his wife and a dear friend.

Tom was born on August 14, 1954, in Van Nuys, California, to Richard and Mary Lou Box. He graduated from Morningside High School in 1972 and attended San Diego State University before making a life-changing decision to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Not long after his conversion, Tom chose to serve a full-time mission in Central America. During two years spent serving in Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, he developed a deep love for the Savior and a steadfast testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. That testimony became the foundation of his life and remained one of his greatest sources of strength and peace.

Following in his father's footsteps, Tom dedicated 34 years of his career to McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. Although he often joked that his work was "top secret," he took tremendous pride in what he did because he knew it served a greater purpose. The work was deeply meaningful to him because of its importance in protecting and serving our country. In his forties, he returned to school, earning both a bachelor's degree and a master's certificate in Program Management, opening new opportunities within Boeing. His work supporting military programs took him across the United States and around the world, including Korea, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Bosnia, Panama, and a four-month deployment to Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

While work often kept him away from home, he never returned empty-handed. His children eagerly awaited the local treats and treasures he would bring back from every destination, giving them a small glimpse into the places he had visited. Tom valued the friendships he built throughout his career, and it was through his coworkers that he discovered golf. What began as a way to strengthen friendships quickly became a lifelong passion. He spent the last two decades of his life on the golf course several days each week, celebrating countless rounds with family and friends. At the age of 71, Tom proudly scored his final hole-in-one.

One of the greatest blessings of Tom's life came when he met his eternal sweetheart, Kathy Franklin. They were married on September 23, 2000, and built a beautiful life together, first in Fountain Valley, California, before retiring to Washington, Utah. Together they found joy in life's simple pleasures—traveling, serving in their church, visiting family and dear friends across the country, trying new restaurants, completing the daily Wordle together, and ending many evenings with a Hallmark movie. Tom absolutely adored Kathy, and there was no place he would rather be than by her side.

Tom was a simple man with few words but a generous heart. He was known for his dry sense of humor, his quiet confidence, and his unwavering loyalty to the people he loved. His greatest accomplishment wasn't his career or the places he traveled—it was the family he loved so deeply.

His children always knew they could count on him. Whether teaching them to ski, bringing home treats from another country, sharing life lessons, or quietly showing up whenever he was needed, Tom loved through steady presence and simple acts of devotion.

He hated vegetables with remarkable consistency but loved teaching his children and grandchildren about firearm safety, responsibility, and proper handling. Introduced to shooting by his Uncle Rusty at just five years old, Tom became an avid collector, an accomplished marksman, and a competitive shooter. It was a hobby he enjoyed throughout his life and one he loved sharing with those around him.

Above all else, Tom was happiest at Lake Mead. Some of his family's most treasured memories were made behind a boat, where he patiently taught his children to ski and welcomed countless friends to experience the lake alongside them. To Tom, the lake was never really about the boat or the water—it was about having the people he loved all in one place, laughing together and making memories that would last long after the day was over. Owning boats brought its share of work and headaches, but to Tom, every bit of effort was worthwhile if it meant bringing his family together. Even after the boats were gone, his love for the water never faded.

It seems only fitting that Tom spent his final day exactly where he believed life was meant to be lived—on the water, behind a boat, surrounded by his wife, a dear friend, and doing something he loved.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary Lou Box, and his mother-in-law, Dianne Franklin. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Kathy Box; his brother, Don (Barbara) Box of Seattle, Washington; his children, Jason (Vangela) Box of Tacoma, Washington; Rebecca (Michael) Dulgarian of West Jordan, Utah; and Jennifer (Baker) Morphy of South Jordan, Utah. He also leaves behind ten beloved grandchildren: Macy, Molly, Emerson, Kyler, Charlie, Dane, Logan, Blaire, Gunner, and Evelyn, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to his life. Tom is also survived by two of his dearest friends, Roger North and Kenny Jenks, whose friendship spanned decades, over countless hands of Pinochle and whose lives were forever enriched by knowing him.

Those who knew Tom will always remember the way he began nearly every talk or testimony at church with the same joyful words: “Brothers and Sisters, Isn’t the gospel exciting?" It wasn't just a familiar opening—it was a reflection of how he truly lived. His faith wasn't something he simply believed; it was something he found joy in every day. Whether serving others, spending time with his family, enjoying a day on the golf course or at the lake, or quietly living a life of integrity, Tom found excitement in the blessings God had given him.

His legacy is one of quiet faith, steadfast service, enduring friendships, and deep devotion to his family. He measured success not by recognition or accomplishments, but by the people he loved, the faith he cherished, and the quiet example he set every day. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and joyfully remembered.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., with a viewing prior from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 115 West 2000 South, Washington, Utah 84780. Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.