The Rev. Frederick William Tomlinson, 77 was born March 19, 1944. He passed away on Jan. 12, 2022, in Morgantown. His battle with medical issues in recent months showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile and a positive attitude, all the while never losing his faith in God, family and friends. His mind was sharp up until the end, which he proved by doing “Sermonotionals,” (sermon/devotionals), on his YouTube channel, until he wasn’t physically able to do them anymore.
Fred was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and minister of God his whole adult life. Always providing, always teaching and always loving. This love extended from his family to his church family and to strangers alike. He was always willing to help those in need. Visiting people in hospitals, their home, nursing homes and prison, he ministered and shared the Word of God to all. He never shied away from the opportunity to lead someone to Christ.
Fred’s father, Thomas Percy Tomlinson, immigrated to the United States from England and became a U.S. citizen on Feb. 21, 1941. His father was a lay preacher and an assembler at the Martin Company in Baltimore. His mother, Minerva Dommoyer-Tomlinson, was originally from Pennsylvania and worked as a seamstress. His father passed away when Fred was just five years old.
Fred’s childhood was made difficult by his stepfather. He left home at 15 years old and went to Baltimore, where he was in a gang for a period of time, before the Lord intervened and led him to attend Free Gospel Institute to become a minister.
As a kid, he worked on the family farm, and helped his mother to sell their vegetables and meat at the market. As he grew older, he worked in an apple orchard. Later, he was a foreman over janitorial and maintenance crews for a school in Baltimore, drove trucks for Coca-Cola and performed HVAC work with both Southern States and privately, making friends along the way.
Upon graduating from Free Gospel Institute, his first church was in Ohiopyle, Pa. He made his way to Kirby, and then to Romney, where his wife, Rose Elizabeth Tomlinson, was born and raised. In 1979, he, along with Rose and their two sons, Eric James and Jason Thomas, moved to Mount Morris, Pa. There, he pastored at Mount Morris Gospel Tabernacle for 27 years until his retirement in 2006. Fred’s ministry was highlighted by his devotion to the Word of God and the levity and funny stories he would seamlessly weave into his sermons. Whether it be self-deprecating or fun little jabs at Rose or his sons, he made listening to the Word a joy, all the while being taught God’s message.
Fred was known to break into song, mid sermon. He loved singing and had a beautiful voice, sounding somewhere between Jimmy Swaggart and Elvis. He was a self-taught mandolin player, along with his brother, and often played the mandolin during church worship.
Fred was an avid hunter. He loved the woods, even when not hunting. It was his solitude; his place to refresh and spend time talking with God.
Fred loved spending time with family and friends. Whether telling stories and laughing over a big meal or having a quiet conversation over coffee, he was always honest and genuine in his words.
He enjoyed playing church softball and had fun tossing football with his sons in the yard. He liked watching movies and TV and following sports, especially the NFL and Mountaineer football.
He loved his granddaughters, always praising “Pappy’s little girls.” As infants, he would proudly rock and sing them each to sleep with his “deedle-dee” songs and loving pats. He made sure to teach them about Jesus, life, boys and to be grateful and gracious. He spent time at soccer games, piano recitals, dance recitals, birthday parties, graduations and special occasions.
He was a humble man, and found it difficult to receive praise or compliments. To many, he was a counselor, providing guidance, wisdom, advice, motivation and even protection. He was known for standing his ground, whether protecting his family, church, or friends. He was always generous with both his time and giving.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Percy Tomlinson; his mother, Minerva Dommoyer-Tomlinson; his wife, Rose Elizabeth Tomlinson; and his twin brother, Ted Tomlinson.
He is survived by his sons, Eric Tomlinson and wife Brenda and Jason Tomlinson and wife LaRonica; and his grandchildren, Peyton, Zoe and Skye Tomlinson.
Fred will be honored and celebrated at Mount Morris Gospel Tabernacle 103 School Road, Mount Morris, Pa. 15349 on Jan. 19. Viewings will be held at the church from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and from 3-6 p.m. with the funeral service starting at
6 p.m. with the Rev. Joe Adams officiating. The graveside service will be held at the Ebenezer Cemetery in Romney, at 11 a.m. on Jan. 20, with the Rev. James Mou officiating.
Intimate cards or notes of condolence can be sent to the family at Milliken and Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc. Daryl L. Throckmorton Owner/Director, 324 Mount Morris Road, P.O. Box 478 Mount Morris, PA 15349 are entrusted with his arrangements.
Condolences:
www.milliken-throckmortonfh.com
