Jerry Tinker

Jerry Alton Tinker was born April 18,1936 in La Junta, Colorado to Theordore
(Bud) Iven Tinker and Dora Lee Ella Thomas. While growing up in La Junta
his father joined the United States Navy and was deployed to combat during
World War II at which time his beloved Mother, Grandmother and Aunt,
together continued to raise Jerry and his brother Delbert.
When it was time to begin high school; Jerry and Delbert chose to join their
mother, stepfather and sister Jackie Living in Calgary, Canada. This is where
they attended two years of high school. Completion of high school was in
1954 at R.A. Long High School in Longview, Washington where they moved to
be with their father. Jerry joined the United States Navy Reserves and
continued his education in Longview at Lower Columbia College.
Jerry's family grew when his father married Ruby which included two brothers,
Doug and Gene. It wasn't long and brother Allen and sisters Neva and Terry
completed the family.
Jerry was introduced to Marlene Kaighin by family members and soon after
they were married on October 7, 1955. They moved to Montana to work until
they could save money for Jerry to return to college. They succeeded and
moved to Pullman, Washington where Jerry completed his education at
Washington State University, earning his Civil and Structural Engineering
Degree. Attaining his degree was a joint effort. It took determination by Jerry
and Marlene. Both worked full time with Jerry attending class, Marlene typing
papers and coordinating working night and day shifts so each could care for
their son Brian who was born during these college days. The family was
complete with the addition of Marla and Julia.
Jerry lived a full life enriched by Marlene and family who shared in his joy and
passion for hunting and fishing. Hunting trips were as near as duck hunting
on Sauvie Island, Oregon (with the family in tow) to across the globe to Africa
for big game hunts with Marlene, son Brian and wife Connie.
Being a gun enthusiast, his interest spread to joining a muzzle loader gun
club. Jerry along with Marlene developed lifelong friendships at these shooting
competitions within the muzzle loader club. Many special memories were
made with very special people.
Jerry was a champion marksman who was a member of the U.S. International
Muzzle Loader Team in which he and Marlene enjoyed traveling throughout
the United States for competitions. These travels included traveling
internationally with friends to compete in England, Switzerland and Australia.
Jerry always brought home top medals. As Jerry aged, he continued to be
tough competition to the younger generation.
Jerry was very active during retirement also participating as Range Officer at
the Clark County Gun Club and competing at the Vancouver Rifle and Pistol
Club shooting 22 caliber firearms.
Jerry found a new love when grandchildren arrived. Jerry and Marlene
enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, which included many
overnight stays with Grandpa and Grandma. Attending the grandkids
activities was always a priority. Family brought Jerry his ultimate joy.
When Jerry became a great grandfather, he proudly shared "I've always
known I was a great, grandfather" but now I can officially say, I am a
"Great-Grandfather".
After Jerry's diagnosis he had the privilege of returning to the comfort of his
home with Marlene to live out his days. Family and friends gathered
immediately to spend time with Jerry and help care for him. He received an
outpouring of Love and Support. Jerry was able to express his love to each
who came to visit.
Jerry died peacefully at home November 22, 2024.
Survived by his wife Marlene Tinker of 69 years, Son Brian Tinker & wife
Connie, daughter Marla Melius & husband Robert, daughter Julia Berry &
husband Mike. Grandchildren, Jordan Melius, Mallory Fralia & husband
Konner, Brittany Brown & husband Christopher, Jared Berry, Devon Berry.
Great Grandchildren, Blakely Brown, Raegan Brown, Wilder Fralia, Sister's
Jackie Craig, Neva Tinker, brother Allen Tinker, nieces & nephews Shanna
Toft, Karli Tinker, Alexa Tinker, Adam Tinker and Great nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by parents, brothers Doug Counts, Delbert Tinker, Gene
Counts and sister Terry Tinker.
A celebration of life will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver, WA on Saturday, January 4, 2024 at 12:30pm, with hospitality to follow at 1:30pm.