John Frank Tinney Jr.'s Obituary
Memorial services for John Frank Tinney Jr., age 77 of Henderson, will be held Saturday March 7, 2009 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Henderson. Military honors will follow the service at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Tinney died Friday February 27, at Hospice of East Texas Homeplace.
John Frank Tinney Jr. was born January 3, 1932 in Joinerville to John Frank Sr. and Nellie Keating Tinney. He graduated Gaston Schools with Betty Anne Lewis who started and finished with him. He attended Kilgore Jr. College where he played basketball. He and his high school sweetheart, Betty Anne were married in Roswell, New Mexico on August 30th 1952 . He served our country in the U.S. Marine Corp. during the Korean war in 1953 and 1954. While in the Reserves in Odessa, he was made "Honorary Recruiter" from the Marine Recruiters office. Mr. Tinney worked in Odessa for 34 years where he retired. In 2005 Mr. and Mrs. Tinney returned to Henderson. He was a member of the American Legion, Phillips Men's Club, and a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Odessa. Mr. Tinney remained loyal to his Gaston High School Red Devil teammates and student body. In addition to his love for the Red Devils, John also became a convert to the Permian "Mojo" football on Friday nights, and to Texas "Hookem Horns" on Saturday afternoons.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Evelyn Johnson and Donna Medford Reynolds, and a brother Verner LaVon Tinney.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Betty Tinney of Henderson, son Chuck Tinney & life partner Dr. Leigh Ziegler of Austin, daughter Julie Stewart & husband Steve of Houston, grandchildren Chase Woodlock of Austin, Lauren and Jessie Stewart both of Houston. His precious grand dog "The Nick." Sisters Inez Emmons of Houston, and Wilma June Stowe of Conroe. Also surviving are many nieces & nephews and brothers & sister-in-laws.
The family will meet friends at the funeral home Saturday from 12noon until service time.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hospice of East Texas Homeplace 4111 University Drive, Tyler, Texas 75701, or to the Gaston Museum. P.O. Box 301 Joinerville, Texas 75658
A memorial guestbook may be signed online @www.raderfh.com
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