MINNEOLA — Bruce L. Tomlinson, 71, passed away early morning on Aug. 19, at the Minneola District Hospital after a brief illness. Born Aug. 23, 1941, in Chanute, he was the son of Johnie 0. and May (Churchill) Tomlinson. On Sept. 24, 1966, he married Linda Kane in Hershey, Pa. She survives.
He attended the Moran school system, graduating from Moran Rural High School in 1959. After his graduation, he attended Kansas State University receiving his degree, in 1963, in animal husbandry. In 1965, he moved to Meade where he worked as assistant manager for the Meade County Feedyard. In 1986, he moved to rural Minneola and became the owner and manager for Clark County Feedyard.
He was a lifetime member of the Kansas Quarter Horse Association, former member of the Lions Club, and a member of the Meade and Clark County 4-H, receiving the Outstanding Clark County 4-H Supporter Award. He was a non-pro in the National Snaffle Bit Association, Sigma Phi Epsilon,and a member of the national judging team while in college. He enjoyed showing horses in Western pleasure, roping with his family, bowling, and spending time with his family and friends.
Other survivors include a daughter, Tina Esfeld and husband T.R. of Great Bend; two sisters, Deana Gardner and husband Al of Moran, and Janice Brown and husband Bob of Olathe; two grandsons, Takota and Ty Esfeld of Great Bend; and several nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and a brother, Harold Leon Tomlinson.
Funeral services were held on Aug. 24 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Meade. Memorials are suggested to the Minneola District Hospital or St. John Lutheran Church, in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, 212 S. Fowler, Meade, KS 67864. Personal condolences may be sent to www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 8, 2013*