Thomas H Giles

Thomas H Giles, age 74, died at home in Heber City, Utah with several of his family present on September 17, 2021. Tom was born on May 31, 1947, in American Fork, Utah to Thomas Earl and Grace Thomas Giles, originally from Heber City, Utah. Tom grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah.
He was always active in sports, setting records in Jr. High for broad jump that were not broken for over 20 years. In high school in Pleasant Grove he lettered in basketball, football, track, and baseball. While a senior, he was honored for being on the “All Region Football Team” as a tight end. He graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in May of 1965. He then attended college at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah.
Tom was drafted into the United States Army in October, 1966. He was in Fort Hood, Texas after boot camp training and the received advanced medical training to become a medic in Fort Sam, Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He served as a combat veteran in the 198th Infantry Brigade at headquarters in Chu Lai, Vietnam. He was also with the 17th Cavalry in the field doing search and destroy missions on an armored personnel carrier. He received a purple heart for wounds sustained in action on January 2, 1968, during the Tet Offensive. Tom was also decorated with the bronze star with V device for valor in a combat search and destroy mission in March, 1968. The family has his commendation letter from the United States Government and truly they treasure this.
Tom married his high school sweetheart on April 14, 1967, in the Salt Lake Temple.
Tom spent 33 years as a core driller for Layne Christensen Co., and worked all over the United States on dams and government drilling jobs.
Tom and Brenda were the parents of four children: Darin Brent (spouse Verlynne); Jill (Spouse Guerin); Jason T (spouse Jamie); and T Scott (spouse Lindsie); all of whom reside in Utah. They were the grandparents of 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Tom has two sisters, Earlene G Shumway, Arizona, and Dianne G Tanner (spouse James) in Tooele, Utah. He was preceded in death by a brother, Kay Earl; sister-in-law Carol; and a brother-in-law Craig L. Shumway.
A graveside service with military rites will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at 2:00 PM at the Heber City Cemetery, 680 North 550 East, Heber City, Utah 84032.