John Tomlin

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- John Milton Tomlin, 73, of Jefferson City passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020, at his home, with his wife and former pastor and friend, Kyle Hern, by his side.

John was born on April 15, 1946, in Marshall, Missouri, the son of Malcom Royce and Mildred Ann Zimmerman Tomlin. He was married in 2003 at First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City to Joey Heisel, who survives.

A Jefferson City resident for the past 28 years, John relocated from Chicago to be closer to his family.

John graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1964, and went on to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg. He graduated from John Marshall Law school in 1976 with his Juris Doctor. In addition to all his academic success, John was proud to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war.

John practiced law in Chicago before moving to Jefferson City. He spent 25 years serving as a Missouri state public defender, and was proud to be a true trial lawyer; spending many an hour in the courtroom for an actual trial. He retired in 2017.

He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City. He was a member of both the Missouri and Illinois bars.

Reading was a true passion for John. He could often be found with a history book, specifically World War II history, but also enjoyed health and fitness articles and the "Peanuts" comics for a good laugh. When he was not reading, he was planning his next trip to the movie theater. John loved all movies; if you could name it, he had probably seen it. John loved trips with Joey. They recently took a trip to Spain with his friend Bob and wife Evelyn, and often recalled on great memories made on a trip to the Dominican Republic for the wedding of dear friends T.J. and Erin.

Survivors include his wife, Joey Tomlin of Jefferson City; one stepdaughter, Abigail Anton and her husband, Clark; father- and mother-in-law, Leslie and Thelma Heisel; one brother, Mike Tomlin and his wife, Terri of Jackson; one stepgranddaughter, Maeve Anton; nieces and nephews, Suzanne Beall and her husband, Mark, Michelle Ross and her husband, Steven, and Josh Tomlin and his wife, Susan; great nieces and nephews, Regan, Camryn, Kendall, Alec and Anna; and many family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother; his brother, David Tomlin; and his stepson, Gabriel Tucker.

Visitation will be held from 10 until 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the mortuary, with the Rev. Trevor Dancer officiating. Interment will be conducted at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City.

www.freemanmortuary.com