Jerry Allan Tomlinson, MD was born on January 7, 1933 to Austa Hazel (Holdren) and Russell Harrison Tomlinson. He was a beloved husband, father and Pop Pop. He graduated from Marion High School as class valedictorian in 1951. He went on to attend Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts after graduation. He had the distinct honor of being the first person in the history of Harvard College to be accepted to Harvard Medical School after only three years of undergraduate studies. He served in the U.S. Army in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1963. He married Marilyn Sue (Swarts) on July 29, 1953. Together they raised five children. His career as a physician spanned more than 50 years. He was a Board Certified Pathologist and he served as Grant County Coroner in his hometown of Marion, Indiana for six years. He was president of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society in Marion, IN. and also a member of MENSA. His last years were spent in General Practice. Medicine was his lifelong passion. He truly believed that everyone deserved to be treated equally, with dignity and compassion, no matter their race, creed, social standing or financial status. He believed that medical care was a right, not a privilege. He leaves behind many long standing patients that will miss the quality care he provided them. He loved the finer things in life, but never forgot his blue collar upbringing. Classical music, gourmet cooking, gardening, and painting were some of his favorites. He was well known in certain circles for his outstanding baking skills, especially his New York Cheesecake.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sue; sons, Jay Tomlinson and Rob Tomlinson; daughters, Valerie Tomlinson (Marla), Elaine Stedelbauer (Mark), and Amy Styles (Michael). Also surviving him are the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Kate and Luke Stedelbauer, and Sam, Henry and Lillianna Rose Styles. These five blessings brought him such joy and they will dearly miss their Pop Pop.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Home Health and Hospice, Dr. George Evans, Cottage of the Shoals, and his special caregivers, Lee Brown and Jacqueline Milton. In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made in Dr. Tomlinson’s memory to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
The family will receive friends Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Morrison Funeral Home, Tuscumbia, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. His memorial service will immediately follow at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel with Father Andrew Keyse officiating.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 5:23
