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Thomas Tinker Obituary
4/26/1945-12/20/2024
After a lifetime of devotion and servitude to others, Dr. Thomas G. Tinker, 79, answered God's call to come home after a short, sudden illness on Friday, December 20, 2024. Tom was born on April 26,1945 in Kansas City, Kansas to Grayson and Selma Anderson Tinker. He graduated high school from Wyandotte High School in 1963. He earned a Bachelor's degree with a double major in philosophy and religion from Bethany Nazarene College. He went on to earn two Master's degrees and a Doctorate at the Nazarene Theological Seminary. Tom served 44 years in the ministry for the Church of the Nazarene. He pastored four churches. He served as the Nazarene Youth International President for 4 years, served as a regional representative for the Joplin District, was a Children's Camp Director for 18 years, served as a Trustee for Mid America Nazarene University, and thrived being a professor at Messenger College in Joplin teaching philosophy, psychology, marriage and family, and ministerial classes. He served as a chaplain with other ministers and accepted the calls for those most in need. He was registered with the American Psychological Association, and he provided many counseling sessions during his service as a minister. He knew no such thing as "office hours" and was always available, spending most of his time in his office at the church. Everyone who knew Tom Tinker knew he would be there and was always available 24/7/365. Nothing was off limits.
Tom was preceded in death and welcomed to his heavenly home by his father, mother, and a brother, Rev. Tim Tinker. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Donna Owens Tinker, of the home, two daughters, Cherie and Becky, both of Fort Scott, KS, and one son, Thomas (Randy), of Kansas City, MO, and a grandson, Grayson Thomas Tinker. He is also survived by a brother, Charles Tinker of Leander, TX, and many special cousins.
A memorial service celebrating his life and love will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 2pm at Joplin Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Joplin, MO.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
David and Wendy Budd Codee Weddle and Coree Budd
January 9, 2025
I am always going to be thankful for the love and mentorship that Dr. Tinker gave me. Although he wasn't my first pastor he is the first one I remember. He will always be the person I think about in major milestones in my life. From spending time at his house with the kids growing up, to helping me become saved at kids camp, baptizing me, pastor at my wedding, dedicated my girls to the Lord. He is who will always be my first and most important pastor. Love you guys.
Kim McIntire
January 8, 2025
Pastor Tinker was a loving and kind man of God. He always took time to listen and he cared about every person in the church. I was just a little kid when he was the pastor but I still remember him as a gentle person who loved the Lord, and his life showed that very well.
Andra Cochran
January 7, 2025
The Anderson clan gathered every Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa Anderson´s house. This is Christmas Eve 1956. Tommy is second from right in the bow tie in the back row with the young men. Such wonderful traditions and memories. Cousin Tommy was definitely one of the "good guys" on this Earth and will be missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family and his flock. Love from Andra Anderson Cochran
Gaylyn Gibbons Edwards
January 5, 2025
Tommy and I enjoyed a special bond as cousins having the same birthday (different years) and a name (my first, his middle) differently spelled. What fun we had spending time together as kids and then into our early adult years. Our closeness remained into these later years expressing itself during our birthday remembrances and holiday reminiscing. Tommy was a kind, gentle, and caring person. He will be greatly missed.
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Frank Gibbons
January 4, 2025
Tommie was more like a brother to me than a cousin. I stayed with the Tinkers a lot when I was a kid because my dad was stationed in Germany during WWll and my mother was working in Kansas City when we were growing up. We always exchanged greetings during our separate birthdays. I’m going to miss him.
Sandra Snyder
January 4, 2025
What fond memories I have of my cousin Tommy! Fried chicken dinners on the weekends at Grandma Anderson's house are forever etched in my mind, all of us cousins playing around and teasing each other. I also have the sweet memory of cousin Tommy officiating at my wedding and sending me to married life with love and wisdom. He was a good man, and my heart mourns his family's loss. My condolences and love, Sandra Snyder
Wilma Cagle
December 29, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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1515 W. 10th St, Suite B, Joplin, MO 64801
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