David Earl Tomlinson

David Earl Tomlinson, 80, of Merriam, Kansas, took hold of Jesus’ hand on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at St Luke’s Hospice House. David was born on September 29, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Robert Lee Sr and Mary Ellen Tomlinson. On August 17, 2002, David Earl Tomlinson and Nita Earlene Mann were united in marriage (which made him possibly the most blessed man on earth) in the presence of God, witnessed by their Nall Avenue Baptist Church brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, and many friends. They had but 22 1/4 years together, before God carried Nita home on December 3, 2024. Following his graduation from Turner High School in 1962, David attended Draughon’s Business College in Kansas City, Missouri focusing on Accounting. Upon graduation from Draughon’s he attempted to find employment but no one was hiring unless their military obligation was fulfilled because it was during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In October, 1963, rather than wait for his draft notice, David enlisted in the United States Air Force serving as a Personnel Specialist until discharge in October, 1967. He then became a member of the Heat and Frost Insulators Union Local 27, following in the footsteps of other family members. Over the years he completed many insulating projects in the Kansas City and surrounding area. David felt the presence of God surrounding him his whole life accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in the Fall of 1995. He lived his life in accordance to that belief making the Lord Jesus his primary reason for ministering. He was loved by all who met him and was a blessing to everyone! David is survived by his nephew Robert L. Tomlinson III (Annette), sister-in-law Christine Tomlinson, her children Richard Tomlinson Jr (Lorinda), Christina Vogan (Carl), Brian Tomlinson, Heath Tomlinson, Audra Barrier (Butch); sister-in-law Naomi Bolomey, her children Gene O’Farrell (Scarlet), Erin Warren (David), their children Ashley and Noah, Julie Coble (Mark) their children, Logan and Landon, Kristin Bolomey; sister-in-law Carol Millican, her children, Lucas Millican, Jared Millican (Liz), their children, Nathaniel, Glenn and Sarah, and his sister Beverly’s children Mark Knight, Ervin Knight, Donna Hall, David Knight, and beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and their families. David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nita, his parents, Robert Lee Sr and Mary Ellen Tomlinson, siblings Robert Lee Tomlinson Jr, Beverly JoAnn Knight, Richard Wayne Tomlinson Sr as well as Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Nephews. David had a servant’s heart helping anyone who had a need such as at Shelter KC, local food pantries, friend and neighbors. David enjoyed traveling, and made numerous trips with members of the “Canasta Group” that gathered nearly every Friday night for more than 24 years, sharing fellowship and a meal. Their outings took them places near and far; Alaska, Panama Canal, Scotland & Ireland, just to name a few. David also traveled to Jamaica, W.I. on Medical Mission trips with Jamaica Partners for 20 years, beginning in 1995. Numerous road trips and Bed and Breakfasts, all great times especially to Estes Park, Colorado. Funeral services will be on March 29th at Nall Avenue Baptist Church. 6701 Nall Avenue, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208, with visitation at 9:00 AM, followed by the service at 10:00 AM, with Pastor Seth Gheen officiating. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens; 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. Pallbearers will be Richard Tomlinson Jr, Brian Tomlinson, Heath Tomlinson, David Knight, Carl Vogan, Warren Kelly, Lucas Millican and Robert McGowan. Honorary Pallbearers: My Nall Avenue Brothers and Sisters in Christ, David and Wanda Haws, Keith and Pam Elliott, Vic and Roberta Herbert, Robert L. Tomlinson III, Mark Knight, Ervin Knight, Jr, Donna Hall, Melvin Barrier, Gene O’Farrell, Jared Millican and Ron Bennett. In lieu of flowers, contributions in remembrance of David’s memory may be made to a favorite charity, or to Nall Avenue Baptist Church. Maple Hill Funeral Home, 3300 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, Kansas 66106.

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David Earl Tomlinson

September 29, 1944 - March 18, 2025