Thomas L. Tomlinson

Tom Tomlinson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. During his senior year at Denby High School, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and at age 17, Tom left school and joined the Marine Corps. He was shipped out from California, by cattle boat, to New Zealand. From there, was sent to Japan where he served with the 2nd Marine Division.

Tom served during the WWII Pacific campaign, on Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, Okinawa and finally in the occupation forces in Nagasaki after the 2nd atomic bomb was dropped. He earned his first Purple Heart during the fighting on Saipan.

At the end of WWII, Tom returned to Detroit, got married to high school sweetheart June, and started a family. At this time he was a reservist with the 1st Marine Division. Soon after his return to civilian life, North Korea crossed the 38th parallel to South Korea...the beginning of the Korean War. Tom was called back to service and was again shipped overseas. He was immediately sent north to the Chinese/Korean border, and fought at the Chosin Reservoir “The Frozen Chosin”. He was again wounded and after a number of days, finally air lifted out. He was awarded a second Purple Heart.

Once home again as a civilian, Tom and June moved their family from Detroit t St. Clair Shores in 1955. He was employed at Michigan Bell (now AT&T) for many years. While working full time, Tom continued his service to the causes of veterans. He was active with the Disabled American Veterans in the early 1960s and became National Vice commander of the DAV until 1988.

Tom also became an active member and service officer for over 30 years at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Bruce Post, Chapter 1146. Here he found his calling by helping veterans and their families find much needed funds and benefits they earned by their military service.

Mr. Tomlinson also served for years as head of the Department of Veterans Affairs for Macomb County. His greatest passion was to secure the Veterans’ Fund from state outsourcing of the money. Tom and his fellow veterans fought to keep monies for the intended purpose...provide for veterans.

Tom served his community. He was a multi-term councilman in St Clair Shores in the mid-1960s, and a Macomb County Commissioner from 1965-1980.

Tom dedicated his life to service of his family, especially June, his community, his country and the veterans he had the pleasure to respectfully serve.

Mr. Tomlinson is survived by his son; T.J. Tomlinson (Elaine),daughters; Cathy Tomlinson Wood (Stan) and Pam Loomis (Mike); grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will take place at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave (corner of Martin Rd) Thursday. Oct. 8, 2020 from 3pm until 8pm. Burial will be in Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI. Friday, Oct 9, 2020. Memorials to VFW Bruce Post 1146 would be appreciated by the family.