Marlyn "Duke" Tomlinson's Obituary
Marlyn (not Marilyn) "Duke" Tomlinson, age 99, died peacefully on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Mease Continuing Care (MCC) facility in Dunedin. He was born in Trevose, Pa., the eldest of six children of Harry and Jenny Jones Tomlinson, all of whom preceded him in death: sisters Nancy, Mary, Grace, Jean, and Ida. He also outlived his beloved wife of 48 years, Cora Clayton, who died of lung cancer in July 1984. Duke retired as a crane operator, working on bridges and buildings in the Philadelphia area and moved with Cora to Lake Haven Park #2 in Dunedin in 1980. He was active in its clubhouse events, such as shuffleboard tournaments, pancake breakfasts, and annual White Elephant sale. He enjoyed planting flower gardens and helping neighbors with various handyman projects.In 2010 Duke moved to Mease Manor's assisted living facility and transitioned to MCC in January. He appreciated the support and encouragement from both facilities' staffs. He was a decent, likable, clean-living, and generous man who was kind to people and animals.He is survived by daughter/niece Connie Sue Clayton Walker and son-in-law Ray from Wilmington, NC; granddaughter Cindy Mitchell and husband Aaron from Palm Bay, Florida; nephews Chip Tomlinson, Morrie and Dennis Luff, Bobby and Tommy Beerhalter, and Fred Clayton, all from Phila. area; Tom Clayton from Waterford, CT; and all their children. Duke was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 542, and was a 66-year Mason from Harry Houseman Lodge in Bristol, Pa.Special thanks to dentist Dr. Stephen Neyer who volunteered his time on a busy Friday afternoon to repair his dentures; to Rosemary of Bay Area Hearing for doing likewise. Also thanks to Suncoast Hospice's Ruth N. and volunteer aides. Funeral services will be held at Lamb Funeral Home in Huntingdon Valley, Pa. and burial at Sunset Memorial Park on Friday, May 17.In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Duke's name to Mease Manor Foundation, 700 Mease Plaza, Dunedin, FL 34698 (www.measemanor.com).
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