Obituary of Thomas Allen Kerby

Thomas Allen Kerby 79 born in Salt Lake City Utah on 12/18/1942, passed away peacefully on 12/6/2022. The viewing will be at 9am, with services to follow at 10am on Wendsday December 14th. Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Chapel 700 N. Bonanza in Tucson, AZ with a luncheon following the service. The service will also be streamed on Zoom for those not able to attend. Please contact Joe Kerby at [email protected] for a link to the zoom.

Tom was a Locomotive Engineer for the Southern Pacific Railroad which later became Union Pacific from 1959 to 2007. He was the go-to person for Railroad History in Arizona. He never lost that childhood desire to run trains. Early on in his career it was hard to maintain year-round work in Tucson, so he borrowed out and worked in California, Oregon, and Nevada at different times. He worked as a steam engine fireman on the White Mountain Scenic Railroad in McNary Arizona. In retirement he loved to stay active with Railroading attending many functions and loved to talk to others about his career and knowledge of the Arizona Railroads.

Tom also served in the Air National Guard from 1965 to 1975 he was a Staff Sergeant at the time he was honorably discharged. He worked in the civil engineering area.

Tom was also an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for many years. He served in many numerous callings and was a member of the Pantano Ward upon his passing.

Tom loved reading and studying about World War 2. He so loved to be around his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and close friends. Family meant a lot to him, and you always knew that to see his smile and light in his eyes. As a railroader you’re away from that family very much. A strong second family bond occurs with those that you spend hours upon hours of your life with. That family is just as important. Tom had a very large Rail family that he spent hours

mentoring, laughing, and crying with, as well as experiencing each other’s life events together. Sometimes mischievous pranks and jokes you love to do together.

Tom was so loved by many. He will be sorely missed by us all. His memory will live on in the hearts of everyone.

Tom was preceded in death by his Parents Joseph Robert Kerby and Irene Helen Wachter as well as his Eternal Companion Joanne Terpening. He is survived by his children Kelly Kerby, Joseph Kerby, Becky Mellor, Guy Wintersteen, and Troy Wintersteen. 9 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren as well as a special friend Wendy Pixler of Sandy Utah.

Tom is now free from the health burdens he carried and has gained peace. He has been reunited with his eternal companion and family. While we will all miss him, look closely around and you will be blessed with the tender mercies of his memory.

Memorial video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Pl51Lt2vHPY