Thomas George Windous (1942-2024), beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, passed away suddenly on August 24th in Ely, Nevada at age 82. A lifelong resident of White Pine County, Tom was born to Udell and Nellie Mae (Drollinger) Windous on April 27, 1942. He was the youngest of three boys who enjoyed entertaining and singing at community events together in three-part harmony. Tom excelled at sports at White Pine High School, being a true-blue Bobcat. He was especially talented in Football, earning the achievement of All-State Center. An avid supporter of White Pine Athletics, with a passion that continued all his life, he could often be found in the stands as an enthusiastic fan and frequent critic of the referees, supporting his children, grandchildren and later serving on the White Pine Athletic Boosters.
Tom was married to our sweet Mother, DaNelle (Atkin) for 61 years. They were sealed in April of 1980 in the St. George, Utah Temple. Their union resulted in 4 children, Brett, Tawnya, Vincent, Derek, 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He shared with his children his knowledge of horsemanship. He actively served the youth in our community in various activities including teaching many years of Hunter’s Safety, organizing youth basketball camps, teaching 4H, and fundraising for athletics. Tom also coached the Freshman boys’ and JV and Varsity girls’ High School basketball teams. Tom served his country for nearly 20 years in the Nevada National Guard, achieving the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He always worked hard to provide for the needs of his family working for the White Pine County Road Department, Windous Refrigeration and then retired as General Foreman after 23 years at the Nevada Test Site. His strong faith in Jesus Christ led him to be a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in various capacities in the Ely 2nd Ward, preparing his family to be Together Forever. Tom had a very keen wit and sense of humor and loved to harass and tease his family and the people he loved. Just ask any of his grandchildren.
Tom was preceded in death by his son Brett, his parents, and his older brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Lois Windous. He is survived by his wife, DaNelle, his older brother Jim (Anchorage, AK) his 3 remaining children Tawnya (Scott Henriod), Vincent (Moana Forbes), Derek (Jennifer Cox), his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His funeral services will be held on Friday, September 6th at 11:00 am at the Ely, Nevada Stake Center at 900 Ave. E.
He will be sorely missed by his family and those who loved him.
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Windous Family in Tom’s passing. The Lord bless you all. The Zorko Family.
Tom & DaNelle are such great representatives of the older generation of white Pine county residents. There children are great representatives of today’s generation. Good people raise good children. Tom will be missed for his hard work well as his humor. Tom also rode horses Dad & Ferrel will be glad to see him. Welcome home my good & faithful servant is the words he will hear. As he walks through those pearly.gates!