Richard Glen Tomlin

Richard Glen Tomlin, 68, was called home to be with the Lord on July 12, 2014. Richard was born on April 29, 1946 in Fort Worth, Texas to Dave and Glenna Tomlin. He married Joyce Tacker on July 30, 1964, and remained faithfully by her side until he was called home. He and Joyce were recently honored by their daughters with a 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard graduated in 1964 from Permian High School. He worked at Walgreens during the early 1960s. He then worked for the Texas Highway Department, CRS Incorporated, and Western Tank. In 1988 he began working for Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning, which he later purchased and operated until 2005. He worked for Evans Pharmacy delivering prescription medications until his retirement.

Richard became a Christian in 1966 and worshipped at Sixth & Jackson Church of Christ where he served as a deacon and elder. He currently worshipped at Sherwood Church of Christ where he served as an elder until his health would no longer allow it. Richard loved his church family with all his heart. He always had time to listen and offer a kind word of encouragement, a pat on the back, a hug, or just a smile. It was not unusual for Richard to be the last person out of the church building on Sunday or Wednesday. There is no place he would rather be than with fellow Christians.

Over the years, Richard impacted many lives while coaching girls fast pitch softball. He began coaching his own girls and helped coach his granddaughter as well. Richard always had a soft spot in his heart for the youth, and he enjoyed sponsoring youth church trips and encouraging kids of all ages. Seeing the young men help lead worship was such an encouragement for him, and he made it a point to pat them on the back and let them know they had done a great job.

One of Richard’s greatest joys in life was spending time with his grandkids and watching them grow. He was quick to tell you all about them and what their most recent accomplishments were. His grandkids could always put a smile on his face and make him proud. Papa will most definitely be watching over his special four from up in heaven.

Richard is survived by his wife Joyce Tomlin of Odessa, his brother Pat Tomlin and wife Marsha Tomlin of College Station, Texas, his daughter Randi Allison and husband Donny Allison of Odessa, daughter Keri Rivas and husband Kent Rivas of Odessa, daughter Jennifer Smith and husband Aaron Smith of Ogallala, Nebraska, grandchildren A’lysa and Trey Allison, Kole Rivas, and Addison Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 at Sherwood Church of Christ’s multi-purpose building. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 16 at 2 p.m. at Sherwood Church of Christ with Lynn Money and Mark Wilson officiating. A special thanks to Trenton Davis who will lead singing. Honorary pallbearers include Pat Tomlin, Bill Day, Randy Harrison, Butch Tacker, Donny Allison, Kent Rivas, Aaron Smith, Ricky Tacker, and Roy Duncan. Services are entrusted to Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home.