Service:
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 25th,
2023 at 11 a.m. East White Oak Bible Church in
Carlock
Obituary
Glen Edward Tomlinson, M.D.
On February 2, 2023, Glen Edward Tomlinson, M.D. 95,
moved on to be with the Lord, surrounded by family.
Though Dr. Tomlinson has passed, his legacy lives on
through his wife of 32 years, Gale and his 5 kids –
Connie Nunn (Tom), Ginger Ellard (John), Lyn Mounce
(David), Rodney Tomlinson (Janee), and Debbie Norton
(Doug) – 12 grandkids, and 18 great grandkids.
On November 2, 1927, D.M. and Florence gave birth to
their fourth child, Glen Eddie, in Rushville, IL. He
grew up with 9 siblings, Grace Marie, Robert Morris
(Tommy), Jesse Leroy (Orvie), Dorothy Mae (Dottie),
Wayne, Gerald (Honk) Anna Lee ( Annie) John Paul
(JP,) and Marilyn. Marilyn survives, and resides in
Bloomington, IL
As an intelligent and fun-loving boy, Glen would
often find himself charming his way out of trouble –
a skill he used throughout his life.In his youth,
Glen helped the family business “Tomlinson Trucking”
which operated with the slogan, “We’ll haul anything
that’s loose.” To support the family business, 14
year-old Glen would drive trucks of material and
cattle to and from St. Louis throughout the night,
just to make it back in time for his high school
classes.
Along with his commitments outside of school, Glen
worked hard to earn leadership positions as Captain
of the Basketball Team and Class President. After
graduating in 1946, Glen worked various jobs such as
painting, he worked on the railroad, and at John
Deere. After an injury he decided that he would
follow his father’s wishes and become a doctor. He
attended pre-med at the University of Illinois.
There, he continued his knack for leadership as
President of the Student Council. In 1955, he moved
his family to Chicago to attend the University of
Illinois Medical School. By 1960, Glen earned his
medical degree with honors, even earning the
prestigious University of Illinois Leadership Award.
The Dean of the Medical School stated, “When you
consider Glen’s success as a father of four children
and with a full academic workload, his record is
outstanding. I cannot think of a more deserving
person.”
Dr. Tomlinson then established his practice in
Lincoln, IL as a physician/surgeon. It has been said
that if you lived in Lincoln, Dr. Tomlinson likely
delivered you or sewed you up—or both. He also
worked as the Medical Director of Blue Cross/Blue
Shield and a professor at the University of Illinois
Medical School. Though known as a common practice
now, Dr. Tomlinson was a driving force and
instrumental in the establishment of “Family
Practice” as its own specialty within the medical
field.
Despite his endless accolades in his
profession, Dr. Tomlinson stated his greatest
achievement was his children. He was proud that they
were hard working and strong in their faith. He
loved spending time and sharing his creatively
fun-loving tendencies. |
Many of his direct descendants lovingly knew
him as “Papper”.
After retirement, Glen and Gale travelled across the country
in an RV for 18 years, visiting family and enjoying many
scenic adventures. They then settled in Bloomington,
becoming active in East White Oak Bible Church as well as
their neighborhood. Glen was full of life, and his influence
touched many others deeply.Though he has finished his race,
he will be fondly remembered. He leaves a legacy of faith,
family, and the value of hard work.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 25th, 2023 at
11:00am at East White Oak Bible Church in Carlock, IL
Memorial contributions may be made to the church in Glen’s
name.
The Tomlinson Family has continued to expand and as of today
there are 162 direct descendants of DM and Florence Walker
Tomlinson. Each year the family comes from all over the
world to gather in Rushville to celebrate the family legacy.
A second Celebration of Life and Legacy will take place
during this annual gathering on August 4th 2023 at 11:00am
under the tree on the family homestead at 125 East Clinton
Street, Rushville. Burial will follow in the Rushville
Cemetery. |