David Tonkinson

John David Tonkinson, age 65, of Edwardsville, died at 3:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at Highland Healthcare Center after several months of failing health.
When his father was serving in the US Navy, John was born July 13, 1949, in Jacksonville, FL, the son of the late Ralph Lester Tonkinson of Godfrey and the late Sylvia (Paul) Tonkinson of Alton, originally from Philadelphia, PA. He is survived by a sister, Theodora Darlene "Theo" Tonkinson of Edwardsville.
He grduated from Alton High School in 1967. At school and, later, professionally, everyone knew him as John Tonkinson. At home, however, he was always David; his mother always said, "David was more 'aristocratic.'"
Mr. Tonkinson had a twenty-five year career as a registered nurse, most recently at Alton Mental Health Center in Alton. He graduated from Lewis & Clark Community College in one of its early nursing programs. He became interested in medicine after he enlisted in the US Navy; he was an eight-year veteran of the earning the rank of Petty Officer first class. He enjoyed his duties as an OR tech, working with the US Marines in Okinawa as well as helping organize facilities for refugees of the Vietnam Conflict at Camp Pendleton, among other assignments.
His personal passion was the game of chess, which was nurtured at Alton High's Chess Club sponsored by the late Russ Phelps, a teacher who definitely impacted his life. He played in tournaments throughout Southern Illinois and Eastern. Missouri. He earned the title of Associate National Tournament Director and, for many years, was secretary for the SWICL, SouthWestern Illinois Chess League. At times he played "postcard chess" with numerous people around the world, even before computers made games easier.
One acivity he loved at the home in Edwardsville he shared with his sister, after their mother passed, was gardening. He loved taking care of his flower boxes and hanging plants, the more colorful the better.
His sister would like to thank Rose, RN at Highland, and the two nurses who staff the Wound Clinic at Anderson Hospital for their consummate professional work and for their compassion and friendship with Mr. Tonkinson.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place; there will be no visitation or service. In his memory, have a lovely meal somewhere with your family, then go see a movie.
Internet visitors may register online at www.KalmerMemorialServices.com.
Kalmer Memorial Services in Lebanon is in charge of arrangements.