Eldon Orville Tinkel, 80, of Marion, went to be with the Lord at 10:19 am on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at St. Vincent Heart Center of Indianapolis. He was born in Marion on April 5, 1941, to Homer and Velma (Embree) Tinkel. On June 27, 1965, he married Bonnie W. Nation, and she survives.
Eldon graduated from Sweetser High School in 1959. He was a firefighter for the Marion Fire Department from 1968-1988 and a volunteer firefighter for Washington Township. He also worked at Marion Community Schools, where he was an electrician. Eldon was dedicated to his career as a firefighter and had served as an Arson Investigator and Fire Inspector. A highlight of his career was getting to be Smokey the Bear at school functions and parades.
Eldon attended Morris Chapel prior to its closing. He was a member of the Lake Bruce Association, Mississinewa Boat and Ski Club, Marion Evening Exchange Club, National Fishing Association (lifetime), Retired Firefighters Association, and Eastern Woodland Woodcarvers Association. Eldon enjoyed fishing, woodcarving, and spending time at Bruce Lake in Kewanna. More than anything, Eldon loved spending time with his family, and he will be missed dearly.
In addition to his loving wife, Bonnie W. Tinkel, Eldon is survived by his daughter, Nicole (Kent) Tucker of Marion; son, Gregory W. (Lisa) Tinkel of Marion; granddaughters, Jean Nicole (Roy) Whitt and Emily Marie Tucker; great-grandson, R.J. Whitt; great-granddaughter, Leashie Marie Whitt; brothers, Eldrid (late Myrtle) Tinkel, Embree (Nancy) Tinkel, Glen (late Helen) Tinkel; sister-in-law, Susie (Marvin Brown) Resler; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and his beloved dogs, Dipsey and Zeus.
He was preceded in death by his father, Homer L. Tinkel; mother, Velma N. Tinkel; step-mother, Betty Tinkel; father-in-law, Wayne Nation; mother-in-law, Wilma Nation; sister, Wynema (Weldon) Stepler; infant brother, Ronald Tinkel; brother-in-law, Rex L. Resler; and his beloved dog, Tinker.
There will be a graveside service to celebrate Eldon’s life at 11:00 am on Friday, March 11, 2022, at Grant Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, 1606 W. 26th St., Marion, IN. Pastor Jim Sonnefield will be officiating with burial taking place at Grant Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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