Gary W. "Gooey" Tomlinson

MARION – Gary W. “Gooey” Tomlinson, age 43, passed away December 1, 2016, at the Kansas Christian Home in Newton, Kansas, following a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born December 15, 1972, in Hillsboro, Kansas.   He was the son of Jeff and Rita (Stika) Tomlinson.  He was a graduated high school in 1992, and went on to became a Certified Nurse Aide which he truly enjoyed because of his compassion to take care of others and make their days more comfortable.  His family and friends will miss his laughter and orneriness.  He was a joy to be around and was always making everyone laugh.  He made friends with everyone he met.  Gary's hobbies included playing his guitars, reading, fishing, detailing vehicles and adding to his various collections.  He seldom complained during the course of his illness and faced death with a positive attitude, courage and bravery.  He embraced life until the last moments and was an encouragement to all who met him.  Gary was preceded in death by his dad, Jeff Tomlinson in May, 2013; and his grandma, Sarah Stika in February, 2016.  He is survived by his mother, Rita Tomlinson of Marion; two sons:  Caleb Tomlinson of Cottonwood Falls; and Jackson (Bryant) Tomlinson of El Dorado; a sister Karen Dornbush and her children Jimi and Emily of Marion; Karen's fiance, Don Wedd and his children of Peabody; his grandpa, Louis Stika, Jr. of Marion; his aunt and uncle Janet and Doug Marler of Marion; and his cousin Kevin Marler and wife Amanda and their daughters.  Cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at Zeiner Funeral Home, of Marion.  Inurnment will be in the Marion Cemetery.  A Memorial Fund has been established for Zeiner Funeral Home, to assist the family with final expenses.  Online Condolences may be left at www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.