Larry Gene Tomlinson

Larry Gene Tomlinson was the first child born to John Tomlinson and Lois Evenson Tomlinson on September 3, 1939 in Eureka, Kansas. He passed from this life on October 20, 2024 in Grove, Oklahoma surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen, brother Sam Tomlinson, sister Nancy Howell, brother Chuck Meadows, stepfather Harry Meadows and stepdaughter Kim James.
On April 29, 1961, Larry married Helen Ruth Cramer in Emporia, Kansas. Together they had three daughters. They enjoyed 45 years of marriage before Helen's death in July 2006.
After graduating from Emporia High School in 1957, Larry served three years in the Army, based in Germany as a Turret Artillery Repairman. Upon his return, he married Helen and went to work at Bunge Soybean Mill. Soon after, he began a career at Dolly Madison Bakery in Emporia where he worked until 1972. While working full time at night, he returned to college and completed a Bachelor's Degree from Emporia State University in Industrial Arts in May 1972. His career in the bakery industry moved the family to Pennsylvania, Los Angeles, and finally back to Pennsylvania in 1974 where he remained for 11 years working his way up from Plant Manager to Field Service Engineer with Stroehmann Brothers Bakeries. In 1985, they moved back home to Kansas so they could be close to family and new grandsons. Larry then worked in maintenance at the Greenwood County Courthouse in Eureka, Kansas and ultimately retired from the El Dorado Correctional Facility. He was also a member of the Masons.
Larry had a great sense of humor. He loved visiting with family and friends and enjoyed being involved with his church in Commerce, OK by helping with Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, VBS, serving meals, gathering with his Sunday School class and faithfully mowed and took care of the church lawns until he was no longer able. He was a WWII history buff, a Ham Radio Operator, loved riding his bicycle, KU Jayhawk basketball, his family, his pets and always had a cup of coffee nearby.
Larry is survived by his three loving daughters, Lisa Tomlinson of Cimmaron, Kansas, Brenda Stoneberger (David) of Dennis, Kansas and Kim Tomlinson (Jeff Adams) of Fort Smith, Arkansas; wife Billie Tomlinson of the home; grandchildren Daniel Walker, Bryan Walker, Nicolas Garcia, Haileigh Tomlinson, Eric Stoneberger and Turani Sultana, Emily Tomlinson and Benjamin Adams; sister Beth Seimears, stepbrothers Richard Meadows, Wayne Meadows and Clarence Meadows; stepson Jerry "Burf" Truelove (Terri Sue) and stepdaughters Cindy Maute, Darla Sajulga and Toni Jo Frost; many nieces and nephews; caregiver Joy; and his beloved dog and cats.
In lieu of flowers, his girls request a donation be made in his memory to Operation Christmas Child or an animal rescue of your choice. A memorial service is pending.
Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Tomlinson's Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.