Thane Owen Telford, 87, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loved ones in Nephi, Utah, on December 17, 2025.
Thane was born on July 10, 1938, in Ogden, Utah, to Abraham Owen Telford and Lila Sprouse. He grew up in the small ranch town of Randolph, Utah, alongside his brothers Laurel and Roger and his sister Dorothy. It was there that his lifelong love for horses, hunting, and Utah’s great outdoors began.
Thane was married for 37 years to his sweetheart, Catherine Weston (deceased July 21, 1995). They were married on July 3, 1958, in the Logan LDS Temple. Together, they raised three children: Philip, Denise, and Teresa.
A man of many trades and an extraordinarily hard worker, Thane began training horses and chariot racing in the Payson Valley. He continued this passion for many years, traveling, winning championships, and becoming an active member of the American Quarter Horse Association. He spent the majority of his career as an ironworker for Geneva Steel, where he utilized his expert welding skills and performed maintenance work.
A lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thane served faithfully in many callings. One of the most meaningful to him was serving as executive secretary to the bishopric for five years.
After receiving what he believed to be a heavenly sign from Cathy, Thane later married his second love, Lillian Castro, on June 7, 1996, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. They were sealed in the Manti LDS Temple on August 8, 1998. Together, they raised Leonard and welcomed their youngest son, Owen. Thane and Lillian shared 29 years of marriage.
Thane was widely known throughout the community as the beloved “Hat Man,” having spent 14 years as a door greeter at the Payson Walmart. With his seasonal, celebratory homemade hats, he greeted thousands of people with his signature Telford smile, a big heart, and endless kindness.
Thane is survived by his loving family: his wife, Lillian Telford; his brother, Laurel (Elena) Telford; his children, Philip Telford, Denise (Allen) Pay, Teresa (Joe) Kennedy, Leonard (Stephanie) Telford, and Owen (Kaity) Telford; his grandchildren, Jacob, Jason, Joey, Robert, Troy, Brittney, Thad, Nichole, Brina, Thane, Amanda, Anthony, Keisha, Carter, Aaron, Channing, Jordan Thane, and Leila; and 34 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Cathy; his brother Roger; his sister Dorothy; his grandson Joey; and his parents, Abraham and Lila.
A viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, at Walker Funeral Home, 587 S 100 W, Payson, Utah 84651. A second viewing will take place on Monday from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at the Mona LDS Church, 65 E 100 N, Mona, Utah 84645, prior to the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, at the Randolph City Cemetery, 305 Canyon St., Randolph, Utah 84064.
7 Condolences for Thane Owen Telford
Condolences(7)
Debbie says
December 18, 2025 at 9:24 pmI’m so sorry to hear this. Thane was a remarkable man. My condolences go out to his sweet wife and family.
Pam Muir Mottishaw says
December 19, 2025 at 7:15 pmI grew up with Thane in Randolph. He was a good man.
Sheryl T says
December 22, 2025 at 1:39 pmI worked with Thane at Walmart. I loved him as if he was my Grandpa. I looked forward to going to work and seeing what hat he was wearing today. He is greatly missed by those who worked with him.
Richard Robertson says
December 22, 2025 at 3:50 pmThane set an example of how we should treat or fellow man I highly respected than as a leader but more importantly as a friend thanks for sharing Thane with me and my family I truthfully loved Thane your friend BOO
Sue Fraley says
December 27, 2025 at 4:33 pmHis smile and kindness brought so much joy as I went to Walmart and as needed more assistance as as my mobility became more restricted Thane just step in to help and encourge me. He was a remarkable man
Glenda Judith Castro Isaula says
September 5, 2026 at 1:09 amLilian, Dios sea su fortaleza cada dia ante tan irreparable pérdida. Un fuerte abrazo.
Con cariño Glenda Judith Castro Isaula
Glenda Judith Isaula says
September 5, 2026 at 1:13 amLamento tan irreparable pérdida
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