Melinda Tumbleson

Melinda (Mindi) Kay Tumbleson, 51, of Columbia, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at University Hospital in Columbia. She was born on December 12, 1973, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Monta Tumbleson, Jr and Shirley (McDowell) Crum.
Mindi spent her childhood traveling around Europe with her three sisters and Army nurse mother. She then went on to attend Yukon High School in Yukon, Oklahoma, graduating in 1992. She later joined the workforce as a waitress at Steak 'n Shake in 1998, where she dedicated twenty-seven years of service until her passing.
Mindi was an 80s kid at her core carrying her love of 80s hair bands and power ballads all throughout her life as she always attended rock concerts as a kid all the way to recent years and passing on that love of music to her children. She also shared a deep passion for art, enjoyed watching MTV, and loved historical romances and vampire movies, with The Lost Boys being her favorite. Among her many passions, Mindi was an avid sports fan who loved the games of football and basketball. Sundays were especially cherished, as she would watch football always cheering for her Kansas City Chiefs.
Mindi is lovingly remembered by her mother, Shirley Crum of Columbia, Missouri, and her father Monta Tumbleson, Jr. (Carol) of Yukon, OK. She is survived by two daughters, Kristen Tumbleson (Michael Vasquez), and Karli Tumbleson (Alex Jeffrey); two sons, Trent Tumbleson (Cherri Rineer), and Bryan Tumbleson; five brothers, Steve Tumbleson, Jeff Tumbleson, Jason Tumbleson (Crystal), John Crum, and Thomas Crum; and six sisters, Cindi Coyle (Mike), Terri Alvaro (Henry), Erin Innes (Ben Gunn), Stephanie Porter (Scott), Jennifer Crum (Mikey Denton), and Sue Quick; four grandchildren, Amelia Vasquez, Vanessa Eckman, Aurora Eckman, Samual Eckman, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her 18 nephews and nieces, cousins and dear friends whose lives she touched with her warmth and generosity.
She is preceded in death by her aunt, Phyllis McDowell, and her grandmother Florence McDowell.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory, 12 E. Ash St.; Columbia, Missouri 65203. (573) 449-4153. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.milardfamilychapels.com