Joseph Elmer Tumlinson

Joseph Elmer Tumlinson, of Groesbeck, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 4,2010, after a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones. He was 87. Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Tracy Sims, of the Central Baptist Church of Thornton, officiating. Interment will follow at Little Flock Cemetery. The family will receive visitors on Friday, May 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Kyle Tumlinson, Brandon Fenske, Keith Tumlinson, Bill Castleberry, Eppi Ochoa, and Gene Robinett. Honorary Pallbears are Joseph "Petie" Tumlinson, Kelly Tumlinson, Caleb Barton, Shane Fenske, and Patrick Barton. Elmer was born on September 9, 1922, in Leon County, to Pink and Gertrude Tumlinson. He served a short stint in the U. S. Navy before being medically discharged. He married the love of his life, Betty Jean O'Pry, on October 6, 1969. They moved to Groesbeck in 1974. Elmer worked construction most of his life, building and renovating homes in and around Groesbeck. He worked for Helms Lumber Co. until he retired. Elmer loved to hunt and fish, tell stories of long ago, and make people laugh. He loved his family and friends and will be missed by many. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernest, Harvey, and Dee Roy; sisters, Tennie, Evelyna, Bessie Mae, and Faye; and foster brother, Arthur Smith. Survivors include his wife, Betty Tumlinson of Groesbeck; daughter and son-in-law, Missey and Daniel Bryant of Valley Mills; daughter, Patricia Fenske of Waco; son, Joseph "Petie" Tumlinson of Waco; son, Patrick Barton of Beaumont; eight grandchildren, Kyle, Kelly, and Keith Tumlinson, Jeana Bryant, Brandon and Shane Fenske, and Samantha and Caleb Barton; and one brother, Harlan Dean Tumlinson of Trinity. The family wishes to thank the staff of Limestone Medical Center, Windsor Nursing Home, and Providence Hospice, for the loving care they displayed for Elmer. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Elmer's memory.