R. Gene Tinker, 65, of Rockford formerly of the Kalkaska area, died Sun, Dec 13, 1998, at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
Mr. Tinker was born May 9, 1933, in Manton, the son of Grant and Bernice (Boyce) Tinker. He graduated from Kalkaska High School in 1951. For 26 years, Mr. Tinker was a truck driver for Amway Corp, always enjoying the experiences of the "open road" before retiring in 1994.
As a member of Merritt Lamb American Legion Post 102, Mr. Tinker enjoyed playing cards with fellow veterans and sharing experiences about the ships he served on during the Korean Conflict.
He is survived by wife Nancy, his high school sweetheart whom he married Apr 21, 1953.
Other survivors include children Janinne (Bruce) Alberts, Craig "Dummy" Tinker and Todd (Susan) Tinker, all of Rockford; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brothers and sisters Mel and Pat Marine of Kentucky, Arlene and Virgil Armstrong of Grand Rapids, Duane and Marie Tinker of Kentwood and Jack and Carol Tinker of Big Rapids; sisters in law Margie and Arden Jenkins of Kalkaska and Maria Marine of Clarksville, TN; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Dec 16 at Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford with the Rev. Timothy Hall officiating. Military honors were under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial gift may be made to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans or the Merritt Lamb American Legion Post 102.
