Tom Osmond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Osmond
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|---|---|
| Born |
Thomas Rulon Osmond
October 26, 1947 Ogden, Utah, U.S.
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| Known for | One of the first deaf missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Older brother to The Osmonds |
| Spouse(s) |
Lyn Heslop
(m. 1972; div. 1989)Carolyn Olsen
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 9 (two are stepchildren) |
Thomas Rulon Osmond, born on October 26, 1947, is a special member of the famous Osmond family. While his younger brothers and sister became well-known musicians, Tom played a different, very important role. He helped inspire his family and became a pioneer in his own right.
About Tom Osmond
Early Life and Family
Tom was born in Ogden, Utah. His parents were Olive May and George Virl Osmond. He is the second of nine children. His older brother is George Virl Osmond Jr. His younger siblings are Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie, and Jimmy. Many of his younger siblings became professional musicians from a young age.
Tom and his older brother Virl were both born with severe hearing loss. While Virl can hear and feel a musical beat, Tom is almost completely deaf.
The Osmonds' Music
The younger Osmond brothers first formed their music group to help Tom and Virl. They wanted to earn money to buy hearing aids for their older brothers. Tom and Virl learned to play several musical instruments. Later, they sometimes appeared with their brothers and sister. This included Christmas TV specials in the 1970s and early 1980s. They also joined the group for their last performance together in 2022.
Personal Life and Contributions
Tom married Lyn Heslop in 1972. They had five children together. Later, he married Carolyn Olsen in 1989. He and Carolyn have two children, and Tom also has two stepchildren. Tom worked for the United States Postal Service for 28 years before he retired in 2014. He lives with his wife Carolyn in Ephraim, Utah.
In 2018, Tom had a serious health issue and needed surgery. He recovered well after a few days.
Tom and Virl's hearing challenges inspired the creation of the Children's Miracle Network. This organization helps raise money for children's hospitals. Tom has also gained some hearing through medical treatments.
Tom and Virl Osmond were also the first deaf missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They showed that people with hearing loss can serve others in important ways.
