Merlin Eugene “Gene” Tomerlin passed away March 11, 2021, at his home under the loving care and comfort of his family and Good Samaritan Hospice.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home. The family request that visitors please wear mask and practice social distancing.
Funeral services will begin at 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Ardmore Chapel Funeral Home with burial to follow at Blanche Cemetery. Brother Rick Shannon will officiate, and Brother Lynn Marshall will be the eulogist. Pallbearers will be Grant Tomerlin, Roger King, Daniel Chaney, Jackie Owen, Charles Buchanan, Jr., and Jerry Dollar. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Taft, Harold Owen, and Eddy McElmore.
Gene was born on July 28, 1925 in Ardmore. He was the second son and third child to Myron and Lois Smith Tomerlin. He attended Blanche High School and married Lena on March 11, 1944. They welcomed Stephen C. Tomerlin into the world on March 25, 1946.
Gene was a member of the Cash Point Baptist Church his entire life until their move to Ardmore in 2011. He served as Sunday school superintendent and secretary for many years. He also served as the church caretaker and in the community as a builder along with his brother and father, as a keeper of his lawn, garden, and crops. Gene was a perfectionist!
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lester Tomerlin; and sister, Avis Tomerlin Henderson.
He is survived by his wife, Lena Reyer Tomerlin; one son, Steve (Nan) Tomerlin; a devoted sister-in-law, Rose Tomerlin and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to thank everyone who brought food, phone calls, visits, and prayers.
