David Dean Tinney Sr.

DAVID DEAN "CHOPPER" TINNEY SR., 71, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born Sept. 1, 1950, in Wauseon, Ohio, he was the son of Earl Dean and Mildred Eloise (Tingley) Tinney. Dave was a farmer for most of his childhood and teenage years before moving to Fort Wayne. He was an honest, hardworking mechanic all of his life. His career of "twisting" wrenches began at an early age. He worked alongside his father Dean at Kimble's garage before moving on to be the sole Mechanic at Three Rivers Ambulance Authority for 20 years. Dave opened Tinney's Auto Service in 1997, where he again worked alongside his father Dean for many years. He was a lifelong fisherman and hunter. Dave especially loved going drag racing, where he was the crew chief on many cars. Most importantly he was an amazing husband, father and grandpa, who loved his family with all his heart. His sense of humor, countless acts of kindness and "world class" tractor rides can never be replaced. Surviving are his beloved wife of 48 years, Janie Lynn Tinney; children, Ronnie (Cathy) Tinney, Patricia (Matt) Lamar and David Jr. (Nicole) Tinney; grandchildren, Amery, Samantha, Tyler, Abby, and Cameron: three great-grandchildren, Norah, Ivy and Vera; six sisters, Suzanne Shelton, Carolyn (Dale) Runyan, Laurie Tinney, Darlene Sandlin, Theresa Stark, and Mary (Shawn) Avra: and one brother, Raymond (Mayumi) Stark. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eloise Stark and Earl Dean Tinney; two brothers, Doyle and Dennis; stepmother, Dorothy Tinney; and brother-in-law, Gary Shelton. Memorial service is 3 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 N. Wells St., Fort Wayne (IN 46808), with visitation from noon to 3 p.m. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Tinney family may be shared at www.sloanandsonsfuneralhome.com