Tom Tinker

After a lifetime of devotion and servitude to others, Dr. Thomas G. Tinker, 79, answered God's call to come home after a short, sudden illness on Friday, December 20, 2024. 

Tom was born on April 26,1945 in Kansas City, Kansas to Grayson and Selma Anderson Tinker. He graduated high school from Wyandotte High School in 1963. He earned a Bachelor's degree with a double major in philosophy and religion from Bethany Nazarene College. He went on to earn two Master's degrees and a Doctorate at the Nazarene Theological Seminary. 

Tom served 44 years in the ministry for the Church of the Nazarene. He pastored four churches. He served as the Nazarene Youth International President for 4 years, served as a regional representative for the Joplin District, was a Children's Camp Director for 18 years, served as a Trustee for Mid America Nazarene University, and thrived being a professor at Messenger College in Joplin teaching philosophy, psychology, marriage and family, and ministerial classes. He served as a chaplain with other ministers and accepted the calls for those most in need. 

He was registered with the American Psychological Association, and he provided many counseling sessions during his service as a minister. He knew no such thing as "office hours" and was always available, spending most of his time in his office at the church. Everyone who knew Tom Tinker knew he would be there and was always available 24/7/365. Nothing was off limits.

Tom was preceded in death and welcomed to his heavenly home by his father, mother, and a brother, Rev. Tim Tinker. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Donna Owens Tinker, of the home, two daughters, Cherie and Becky, both of Fort Scott, KS, and one son, Thomas (Randy), of Kansas City, MO, and a grandson, Grayson Thomas Tinker. He is also survived by a brother, Charles Tinker of Leander, TX, and many special cousins.

A memorial service celebrating his life and love will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 2pm at Joplin Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Joplin, MO.