Richard Dean Tomlinson

Richard Dean Tomlinson was born in Junction, Utah, September 7th, 1942, at the home of his maternal grandparents, William and Thelda Holman Thompson. Dean's parents, Joseph K. & Aleta H. Tomlinson, went on to have 4 daughters, so even from toddlerhood, Dean was the big brother. As a teenager he went on to work on the Eaton Ranch in the Big Horns. He enlisted in the army at 21, serving as an artilleryman in Germany (he loved Germany but left most of his hearing there). He was always working, even as a child, and held a variety of jobs, most in the oilfield and automotive industries. He married Martha Nell Crow Bridges in 1974, and they were later divorced. He adopted her son Joe, and helped raise her son Burton and daughter Lannette. He worked for Sack Brothers for many years, as a master in fiberglass fabrication. He was an expert at 'repurposing' and could create a useful item out of almost anything, like the compost turner made of cement mixer parts he built for Meadowlark Mushrooms. He was generous to a fault.

He will be remembered by his sisters as a maker of elaborately carved tire swings, doll clothes and jewelry; he was a 'rockhound' like his mother and made beautiful tiger eye and agate rings, necklaces, and earrings.

He is survived by his sisters, Lisa Boaz (Doug Kline) & Lorri (David) Ball, both of Casper, Bonnie ( Dan) Tripp of Clifton, AZ, and Kathy (Jeff) Hudson, of Worland; his stepchildren, Lannette Crow and Burton Bridges of Casper, and son Joe Tomlinson of Las Vegas, NV. Also Joe's daughter Mary (Tom) James and two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Avery, of Casper. His good friends Grant Pozarnsky and Ron Tysver, and last but certainly not least, his beloved mutt, Honey Bear.

Near the end of his life, Dean was cared for by the wonderful people at Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions.

Please direct any memorials to them at 319 South Wilson, Casper, WY 82601. Military services will be held Friday, June 23rd, at 2:00 PM at Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery, Evansville, WY.

Arrangements are under the direction of Newcomer Casper. To leave the family a special message, please select the "Share Memories" option.