Obituary of Thomas E. Coonts

Tom Everton Coonts passed away from a heart attack at his home in Kimberly, Idaho on October 23, 2012. Tom was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on March 9, 1942, the first child of Ted and Viola (Gray) Coonts. He attended Bickel Elementary, O'Leary Junior High, and graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1960. He attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon and Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho, before joining the Army. Tom served in the Army and National Guard for 6 years. Tom's summer job during high school was a Lineman's "gofer" for Idaho Power Company. Also during high school he met the love of his life, Janet Rodman and they dated for seven years; but both Tom and Janet ended up marrying other people. Tom married Carol Larsen in June 1964 and they had one daughter, Wendy Lynn. After returning from the Army, Tom worked for the Forest Service before starting full time at Idaho Power in Jerome and Kimberly. Tom's long time friend, Tom Ash, recruited him to work at Cain's Furniture in Twin Falls and Tom took a brief "hiatus" from Idaho Power. These were the lean years and Tom learned he was great at customer service, but not at closing a sale. Tom eventually returned to his long term employment at Idaho Power. Tom and Carol divorced in 1986 and after some matchmaking on behalf of Tom's parents, a recently divorced Janet was reunited with Tom and they were married on July 17, 1987. Tom loved his work as a manager of supply stores for lineman crews in Idaho Power's Southern Division. He had a talent for picking good employees and fostering a cohesive group who loved to come to work each day. Tom trusted everybody to do their best and that trust was reflected in the productivity of the stores under his management. In the past few days, the steady stream of former co-workers who have stopped by to pay their respects and share their stories of Tom is a testament to how much he was respected at Idaho Power as both a leader and a friend. Tom retired from Idaho Power in 2002. Tom and Janet moved to Kimberly in 1999. They enjoyed collecting antiques and refinishing old furniture. Tom was appointed to the Kimberly City Council in 2001 and elected to a four year term in 2003. He was instrumental in laying the groundwork for many projects that came to fruition over the last five years in Kimberly. Tom had an open door to all of the citizens of Kimberly and was willing to listen to everyone. He continued to be involved in city issues and was a mentor to young council members and was still respected by City workers at the time of his death. Tom's most recent "community project" was overseeing the remodel of the Ageless Senior Citizen Center in Kimberly. Tom's diligence and patience saw the project to completion and the Center will be a comfortable and functional place for Seniors to gather in the years to come. Tom and his best friend Tom Ash had a twenty-five year adventure together playing and coaching softball. They also hunted in the mountains and canyons around Featherville, Idaho. Tom Ash was a precious friend, confidant, and mentor. They erected a cabin, with the help of their fellow hunters and softball players, which became Tom's sanctuary. Ironically, the cabin was repaired and remodeled just last year and Tom was looking forward to sharing it with Janet and not all of the mice and other critters that annually took up residence in the cabin. Tom was a lifelong member of the Twin Falls Christian Church and the Kimberly Christian Church. Before he was old enough to go to school, he would sit on the sidewalk outside his home across from Bickel School and convince school children to come to church with him on Sunday. Tom was very proud of a small Bible he was awarded at age 6 for bringing the most new members to church. Tom was laid back, fun loving, and quick witted. You might wonder if he was joking with you or not - except for that twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face. Tom always followed the rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Tom's door was open to friends, family and citizens who sought advice. He was always willing to offer help to anyone. His passing leaves a huge void in the community and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him! Tom is survived by his wife and soul mate, Janet Coonts of Kimberly; daughter Wendy (Fred) Nye of Filer, Idaho; step-son D. Christopher (Elizabeth) Smith of Tri-Cities, Washington; grandchildren Josh Simono, Alicia Simono, Conner Smith and Aidan Smith; great-grandchildren Avery and Ella; and his brother Richard (Catherine) Coonts of McCall, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Viola Coonts. Arrangements are being handled by Rosenau Funeral Home with a viewing taking place on Friday, October 26, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. A celebration of Tom's life will take place at the Twin Falls Christian Church at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2012 with a graveside service to follow. Please be prepared to share your stories and memories of Tom at the funeral. After the funeral, a fellowship dinner will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the Kimberly Christian Church. All of Tom's friends are invited to attend! In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Tom Coonts Memorial Fund that has been established at First Federal Savings to purchase heart defibrillators to be placed in schools, senior centers, and the homes of heart patients. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com