Thomas G Tinker, Sr.

Thomas Gerald Tinker, Sr., 81, of Xenia, Ohio, passed away on August 26, 2025, after a long illness. Tom was born August 3, 1944, in Springfield, Ohio, the son of Gerald and Wilma (Weekley) Tinker.

Tom is survived by his wife Joyce (nee Kiger) Tinker; sons Thomas G. Tinker, Jr., David (Kim) Tinker; Jim (Melissa) Tinker, and Patrick Tinker; grandchildren, Jesse, Thomas III, Travis, Hanna, and Jonathan; great-grandchildren Thomas IV, Katie and Dolan. He is also survived by beloved in-laws.

Preceding Tom in death were his parents, Gerald and Wilma (Weekley) Tinker; granddaughter, Heidi and beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tom graduated from Springfield North High School, where he lettered in Track, setting a school record in the 100-yard dash.

Tom wed his high school sweetheart, Joyce Kiger who became his bride of 62 years. Together, they raised four boys, enjoying many fishing vacations in Ohio and Michigan. The family attended St. Raphael’s Catholic Church and Tom and Joyce saw all their boys graduate from Catholic Central High School.

Tom began working for International Harvester (later Navistar) after high school and continued there through retirement. He worked primarily as a painter, becoming an expert. A proud moment for the family was when Tom came home with an award, naming him a Navistar Top Flight Employee.

Law enforcement was Tom’s simultaneous career. In addition to his work at the factory, he patrolled Clark County’s roadways and rural neighborhoods as a Sheriff’s Deputy for four decades. Additionally, he served as the Village of South Solon’s Chief of Police and later was an officer for the South Charleston Police Department.

In his free time, Tom pursued his interests enthusiastically. In the 1960s, it was adrenaline-fueled skydiving and drag racing (in his Chevelle Super Sport). The longest-lasting hobbies were motorcycles and fishing. His love for motorcycles began when he was in high school and had his first motorcycle. In his life he visited 48 states on his motorcycle, many with wife Joyce riding on the back. Tom and Joyce retired to Xenia, Ohio.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday in the CONROY FUNERAL HOME with Deacon Earl Rodgers officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior beginning at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton.