Gary Tomlin, 76, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024, in Prescott, Arizona. He was a devoted husband, stepfather, co-worker, and friend.
Gary was married to Helen for almost 20 years and was the stepfather of her four children, Rachel, Ryan, Regan, and Rebecca. Even though he had no biological children, he treated the four as his own.
Gary was born in Detroit, Michigan. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. After an honorable discharge, he began working in various jobs throughout the country, utilizing his degree in electrical engineering from the Detroit Institute of Technology.
He worked for over 30 years at China Lake and then, five years ago, was hired by Northrup Grumman to work as a field service representative. He was based out of Edwards but was sent on travel to many places, including his favorite, Sicily. There, he supported the Air Force, working as a sensor operator for the Global Hawk drone. Throughout his career, he earned many master’s degrees and was given numerous awards.
Gary has always been adventurous. While in Ridgecrest, he owned horses and rode in the Rose Bowl Parade. He also took groups on Scuba diving trips to exotic places. In his spare time, he volunteered for the Kern County Sheriff’s Department.
Gary is survived by his wife, Helen, and her four children. Rachel lives in Ridgecrest with her husband, Joshua Loscar, and their four boys, Aaron, Levi, Gideon, and Boaz. Her sons, Ryan and Regan Rumph, live in California, and Rebecca lives in Ohio.
Several siblings survive Gary. His sister, Linda Casazza, lives in Detroit with her husband “Bud.” Gary has a brother and two sisters from his mother’s side: Tim, Sue, and Bonnie. Later in his twenties, he was pleased to meet his five sisters from his father’s side: Pam, Daretia, Nelda, Camille, and Bristal. He also has a special niece, Delanya.
A service will be held to remember Gary on Saturday, July 27, at 10 a.m. at the Miller Valley Baptist Church, 815 Whipple Street in Prescott, Arizona.