George Tumbleson

DEXTER, Mo. -- George "Wayne" Tumbleson entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. When Wayne arrived at his eternal home, he met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ -- face to face. This event transpired due to a decision that he made 60 years ago at a small country church revival, where he gave his heart to Christ.

Wayne was born Jan. 31, 1939, at Lamar, Arkansas, to the late Victor and Beulah Jones Tumbleson. On March 26, 1962, he married Glenda Fowler in St. Louis County. To this marriage two sons were born, Curtis Wayne (Teresa) Tumbleson who survives of Sikeston, Missouri, and Daniel Wade (Michele) Tumbleson who survives of Cape Girardeau. Wayne was also survived by four cherished grandchildren, Spencer James (Sarah) Tumbleson of Sikeston, Jacob Ryan Tumbleson of St. Louis, Emily Paige Tumbleson of Sikeston, and Aunicka Lee Tumbleson of Cape Girardeau. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Burl Tumbleson, Bill Tumbleson and Howard Tumbleson, and one sister, Sharon Null.

Wayne was employed for 28 years as a truck driver for Malone and Hyde until the company closed its Sikeston branch in 1998. He then worked as an independent contractor, hauling travel trailers until his retirement.

Wayne took his commitment to Christ very seriously. Over the years, he served as a Sunday school director and youth leader at the First General Baptist Church of Morehouse, Missouri, and also a volunteer for countless church projects where repairs or construction were required. He had an unmatched work ethic and he used it many, many times to serve Jesus. He became involved in a group called Campers on Mission, where he and Glenda traveled both locally and to several states to repair churches and campgrounds within the Southern Baptist Convention. He enjoyed yard work, woodworking and tinkering on just about anything. If he was busy and there was a tool in his hand, he was happy.

Wayne lost his life due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Due to this tragic happening, his family has chosen to wait until the virus clears to have a celebration of his life. A memorial service will be announced sometime this spring. The family requests that memorials be made to Campers on Mission, c/o Janet Cassidy, Treasurer of Campers on Mission for Missouri, 6901 E. Bass Lane, Columbia, Missouri 65201.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements.