George "Tom" Mitzel Tomlinson

George “Tom” Mitzel Tomlinson, 83, of Cheyenne, Wyoming passed away peacefully on April 5, 2023 at home surrounded by family. He was born on January 31, 1940, in Charlotte, North Carolina to Bruce Allen Tomlinson and Julia McClain Tomlinson.

When Tom was six his family moved to Los Angeles, California. His innate work ethic was evident at an early age as he delivered newspapers to 300 homes at the age of ten and stocked shelves for the Jewel Tea Company at twelve. He loved going to the beach, everything cars, and was an expert marksman on the rifle team of Morningside High where he graduated in 1958.

After studying architecture, Tom enlisted in the US Air Force where he faithfully served our country maintaining our nation’s nuclear warheads. It was while he was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver that he met and married his wife of nearly 62 years, Betty Irene Wilkens Tomlinson. His Air Force career took them and their three children, David, Darren (Neal), and Denise to Colorado, California, the Netherlands, North Dakota, Louisiana, Kansas, and Wyoming. He also served several unaccompanied tours in South Korea, Turkey and on the island of Okinawa in Japan. After retiring from the Air Force, he spent many years with Bell & Howell and eventually retired from Wyoming Trophy and Engraving.

Tom was an exceptionally hard-working man; often working second jobs and volunteering as a Scoutmaster for the boys’ scout troops. He enjoyed collecting N gauge model trains and watching trains -  particularly the Big Boy steam engines. He retired in Cheyenne due to his love of hunting deer, elk, moose, and antelope until he was no longer able. Later in life he rekindled his passion for cars. He was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America and Oak Spokes Antique Auto Club. He enjoyed driving his 1955 Pontiac Star Chief, especially in the Cheyenne Frontier Days parades.

Tom will be remembered for his kind, cheerful, warm-hearted disposition. He was witty, humorous, and always had a funny story or a joke to share. He was easy-going, never complaining about his health issues or saying a bad word about anyone. In fact, it was rare for him to even speak a bad word. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife Betty Tomlinson, sons David (Barbara) Tomlinson, Neal (Amy) Tomlinson and daughter Denise Tomlinson Freeman; grandchildren Andrea Tomlinson, Ava Tomlinson, Max Tosi, Jeremy Kleist, Heather (Matt) Kleist Schutz, Kristina Kleist; and great-grandson Landon Schutz; brother Ben (Rita) Tomlinson; and many nieces and nephews. He was welcomed into his heavenly home by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Church of the Holy Trinity located at 1836 Hot Springs Ave. Cheyenne, WY 82001, with Father Mike Carr officiating. His ashes will be buried with full military honors at 2:00 pm at the Cheyenne National Cemetery, 8611 Hildreth Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009. Please come prepared for inclement weather and arrive no earlier than 1:50 pm. Please park on the right side of the paved cemetery road to allow for immediate family and the funeral vehicle to pass on the left side.

Memorial donations may be made to the CFD Military Committee, Veterans Rock or Davis Hospice Center.

To send flowers to the family in memory of George "Tom" Mitzel Tomlinson visit https://www.theprairierose.net/