Marlyn "Duke" Tomlinson

Marlyn (not Marilyn) “Duke” Tomlinson, age 99, died peacefully on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Mease Continuing Care (MCC) facility in Dunedin, Florida. He was born in Trevose, the eldest of six children of Harry and Jenny Jones Tomlinson, all of whom preceded him in death: sisters Nancy, Mary, Grace, Jean, and Ida. He also outlived his beloved wife of 48 years, Cora Clayton, who died of lung cancer in July 1984.

Duke retired as a crane operator, and worked for American Bridge Company and McHugh Bros. in the Philadelphia area. He and Cora lived in Feasterville on Fairview Avenue for many years, and in 1980 he moved from their home in Holland to Lake Haven Park in Dunedin. He was active in its clubhouse events, such as shuffleboard tournaments and pancake breakfasts. He enjoyed planting flower gardens and helping neighbors with various handyman projects.

In 2010 Duke moved to Mease Manor’s assisted living facility and transitioned to MCC in January. He was a decent, likable, clean-living, and generous man who was kind to people and animals.

He is survived by daughter/niece Connie Sue Clayton Walker and son-in-law Ray from Wilmington, NC; granddaughter Cindy Mitchell and husband Aaron from Palm Bay, Florida; nephews Chip Tomlinson, Morrie and Dennis Luff, Bobby and Tommy Beerhalter, and their collective children, Robert and Sherri, Kristin and Kim, Dennis, Kevin and Brian; nephews Fred and Tom Clayton.

Duke was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 542, and was a 66-year Mason from Harry Houseman Lodge in Bristol.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday May 17, 2013 from 10:30 to 11 AM. His service will be at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Feasterville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Duke’s name to Mease Manor Foundation, 700 Mease Plaza, Dunedin, FL 34698 (www.measemanor.com).

Visitation