What is Thomas S. Monson?
[[File:Thomassmonson.jpg|thumb|Thomas Monson in 2009]] '''Thomas Spencer Monson''' (August 21, 1927 &ndash; January 2, 2018) was an American religious leader and writer. On February 3, 2008, he became the sixteenth President of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], after the death of [[Gordon B. Hinckley]].<ref name=nyt>{{Cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/05/us/05mormon.html |title=Former Executive Named to Lead Mormon Church |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=5 February 2008 |accessdate=19 January 2011 |last1=Johnson |first1=Kirk }}</ref> He was appointed on the basis of seniority following the death of the previous president.<ref name=nyt/> He was born in [[Salt Lake City, Utah]]. Monson was made an apostle at age 36. He was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until he became the President of the Church. As president of the church, Monson is said to be a prophet, seer, and revelator of God's will. Monson spent most of his time engaged in various church leadership positions and in public service. He received three honorary doctorates. He was Chairman of the Church Boards of Trustees/Education of the Church Educational System. He was appointed by [[Ronald Reagan]] to the President's Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives. Monson received the [[Boy Scouts of America]]'s Silver Buffalo and the World Organization of the Scout Movement's Bronze Wolf—both awards. Both awards are the highest given in each organization. Monson died in Salt Lake City on January 2, 2018 at the age of 90.<ref>[http://fox13now.com/2018/01/02/lds-church-president-thomas-s-monson-dies-at-age-90/ LDS church President Thomas S. Monson dies at age 90]</ref> He was replaced by [[Russell M. Nelson]]. == Early life == Monson was born on August 21, 1927 in [[Salt Lake City]], Utah. His Father was George Spencer Monson (1901–1979)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34996938|title=George Spencer Monson|publisher=Find A Grave}}</ref> and his mother was Gladys Condie Monson (1902–