Robert Glen Tomlinson

Robert Glen Tomlinson (Bob), passed away peacefully, at his home on May 8 th 2025, He was 85 years old. A visitation will be held on Friday May 16 th 2025, from 11:00-12:00 PM at Simplify Funeral Home (4821 SW 9 th St. Des Moines). The funeral will be held on the same day following the visitation from 12:00-1:00 PM, also at the funeral home. A funeral procession to Glendale cemetery (4909 University Avenue, Des Moines) will take place after the funeral service, where a short graveside service and military honors will be bestowed.

Robert was born on April 23 rd 1940, in Indianola Iowa, to Milo Dale Tomlinson and Esther Mae Bales. He attended Lincoln High School where he was on the swim team. Shortly after his high school graduation Robert joined the United States Navy and served on the Uss Saratoga aircraft carrier. After he completed his military service, he attended Drake University and majored in business. Robert worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone company installing telephone poles into the ground. Throughout his life he worked in telecommunications, eventually working his way up the corporate ladder until he held an upper management CEO position, at the time of his retirement.

On June 13 th 1965 Robert married Shirley Ione Barrell and two children were born of this union, Tiffany Renee Tomlinson and Todd James Tomlinson. Robert and Shirley would have been married for sixty years this coming June 13 th 2025. He loved his wife and children dearly.

Robert's hobbies included fishing and golfing. He really loved fishing and took his family all over the US to camp and fish. His other love was golfing and he would golf with his friend's year-round weather permitting.

Robert had a great sense of humor and always had a funny joke at hand to tell his family and friends. He had a kind heart and would do anything for his family and friends, or those in need. He really cared about people and that trait was felt through his loving personality.

Robert is survived by his wife Shirley, his children Tiffany and Todd, two grandchildren Jessica Lynn Piatt and Zachary Scott Helms, one great grandchild Layna Elizabeth Piatt, his sister Dorothy Agnes Perkins, his brother Dale Leroy Tomlinson, and several nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Milo Dale Tomlinson & Esther Mae Allen, his grandparents Glen Harlan & Esther Agnes Tomlinson, and Ellsworth Alonzo & Gertrude Viola Bales, as well as several aunts and uncles.

Robert's family will be hosting a celebration of life event to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the family.