Gary Ray Tomlinson, born September 19th, 1958, in St Joseph Missouri, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado on October 8th, 2025.

Gary was a hard worker his entire life and one of the kindest men you could meet. He knew no stranger, and everyone was welcome in his home, but only if you were a Chiefs fan. He loved collecting things, albums, classic car models, specifically Johnny Lightening and Matchbox cars, and model trains, he had to make sure there was one around the Christmas tree every year. His dedication to work was just as strong as his dedication to his family. He always made sure to out work the guy next to him and had multiple careers in his life. He started working on the family farm as a young man which then evolved into working for the family’s meat packing industry. Over time he would be an over the road trucker, oil field worker, factory worker, and he would occasionally go back to farming, but he ultimately loved his job as a grandparent over anything else. In his final years Gary spent his time at home retired, helping Lauren raise her 3 children. He and his youngest grandson Gabriel loved to pull pranks and spent a lot of time drinking “Choccy milk” while cheering on his beloved Chiefs. You wouldn’t catch Gary out in the world without him wearing something Chiefs related, often one of his 50 different Chiefs hats. Gary shared his love for his Chiefs with all his children and their friends by taking them to Chiefs games, as he was a season ticket holder for many years, as well as sharing his collection of game pins and Chiefs memorabilia. If you wanted to see an example of what a die-hard Chiefs fan was you didn’t have to look farther than Gary.

Gary is survived by his oldest brother, Steven Tomlinson of Rio Verde, Arizona, his 5 children, their spouses and multiple grandchildren; Brandy Tenorio Rose her husband Dr. James Todd Rose and their daughters Reghan and Rylee of Lubbock, Texas. Nathan Tomlinson, his Fiancée Memoree Jones, and his 2 children Andrew and AJ of Lubbock, Texas. Lauren Tomlinson, her fiancée Michael Lane and their 3 children Anna-Belle, Eevee, and Gabriel of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Garrett Tomlinson, his wife Kati Tomlinson and their 2 children Carter and Wrenleigh of Garnett Kansas, Gage Tomlinson also of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Gary is preceded in death by his ex-wife Gerrianne (Jenkins) Tomlinson, both parents Richard and Beverley (Wykert) Tomlinson, his older brother Kevin Tomlinson and older sister Lisa Tomlinson.

Gary has been cremated and services will be announced once Lauren and Gage have had time to plan in Iola, Kansas. GO CHIEFS!