William “Bill” Tumblin, 70, of Rapid City, SD, formerly of Lincoln passed away on Friday, October 23, 2015, at the Ft. Mead VA Care Facility after a long battle with Parkinsons Plus disease. Bill was born on September 2, 1945 in Omaha and was adopted from the Children’s Home in Omaha by his loving parents, Clinton Tumblin and Hazel Mae (Shaw) Tumblin. Bill graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1963 and continued his education at the University of Nebraska for 4 years and 2 years at Antioch University School of Law. Bill was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1967 serving as an Infantry Drill Sergeant with Classified Operations in Vietnam and also served with the Army National Guard. Bill was proud of his law enforcement years with the Lincoln Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Deputy U.S. Marshall/Border Patrol and a Self employed Private Investigator with the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission. His true love and happiness was his years as rancher/owner from 1982-1998.
Bill is survived by his wife Linda of Rapid City, his sons Adam (Melanie) Tumblin of Germany and Justin Tumblin of Columbus, Nebraska. Grandson Addison Tumblin of Germany, step-daughter Ashley Walker and step-son Ryan Moore; sister Deborah (Randall) Calfee; nephew Todd (Jaimi) Calfee; niece Lisa (Randy) Olson, and many great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Jason Tumblin, great-niece Alexis Calfee, grandparents, and several counsins.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Wymore Cemetery in Wymore, Nebraska.
Memorials to the family.
We send our condolences and love. Prayers for your family.
Wonderful, loving memories of growing up with my big brother, Bill. From watching cowboy shows (your favorite!)in front of our tiny little black and white television, to making our cinnamon strips from Mom’s leftover pie dough, to sliding with our socks on to shine Mom’s kitchen floor, to walking me down the aisle 50 years ago so very handsome in your military uniform to giving me away on my wedding day. As young children losing our father, you and Mom and I survived through much hardship but never gave up as we knew God would see us through it. It broke my heart to see you suffer so much from PTSD after your time in Vietnam and so many health issues through out your life. May you rest in peace and please give Mom and Dad a big hug from me and especially give my sweet Alexis a big hug, kiss and tell her how much I love her and miss her. Love you and miss you. Your little sister, Debbie. P.S. Thanks for never forgetting my birthdays and always calling and singing “Happy Birthday” to me. You are the best!
What great memories of all of us cousins at your home and grandma’s home. You were a tad younger but always laughing, smiling and having fun– very contagious
I am glad we stayed in touch as we got older- getting to spend some time together when Gail and I came for the family picnic. You were a good hearted and great guy! How warming to know you are now in peace and free of pain. May God and His Angels shine on you in a special way,
Your cousin
Nancy