Richard W. “Dick” Tomlinson, 81, of Iola died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010, at Allen County Hospital in Iola.
He was born July 5, 1929, in Atchison, to Roy N. and Sylvia F. (Jackson) Tomlinson. He graduated from high school in Rushville, Mo., and then received an associate’s degree from Highland Junior College in Kansas. He taught school at Bendena along with serving in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves. He was called to active duty to serve in the Korean War.
On Sept. 15, 1950, he married Beverly M. Wykert. After his military duty they lived in St. Joseph, Mo., from 1952 until 1969 and then in Rushville from 1969 until 1976. He worked for the Dugdale Packing Company and then Fleming Company along with farming. They moved to several communities before coming to Iola in 1980.
He was involved with Iola Meat Processors and then operated Perry’s Restaurant and The Greenery. He later drove a truck for R.V.B. Trucking before his health sent him into semi-retirement. For the last several years he has been working for Diebolt Lumber.
He belonged to the Masonic Lodge and Shrine in St. Joseph, Iola American Legion and First Christian Church. He enjoyed singing and sang with the Southeast Kansas Shavers Barbershop Group.
He is survived by his wife of the home; four children, Steven W. , Rio Verde, Ariz., Kevin L., Bradenton, Fla., Lisa M. Tomlinson, Baltimore, Md., and Gary R., Iola; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Monday at First Christian Church in Iola. The Rev. Dave McGullion will officiate. Cremation will follow the service.
Memorials to First Christian Church may be left at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at iolafuneral.com.
‘Dick’ Tomlinson
