Joe Richard Tinkler passed away in Sherman, Texas on August 30, 2020 at the age of 73. He was born in Durant, Oklahoma on December 4, 1946 to Richard and Bonnie Tinkler.
Joe started elementary school in Casa Grande, Ariz. where his family resided at the time. They moved back to Durant where he completed his formal education at Durant High School. After high school, he joined the United States Navy, where he proudly served aboard the USS Lexington aircraft carrier, finishing his Navy career in the Naval Reserves. After leaving the Navy, and returning to Durant he was a member of the Oklahoma National Guard.
Joe continued his love of travel with a long career as an over-the-road truck driver. During his career he also lived in Dwight, Ill. and San Clemente, Calif. When he retired, Joe returned to his hometown, Durant, Okla., where he resided at the time of his death.
Joe is survived by his beloved children; Bonnie Miller of Durant, Okla., Joseph Tinkler of Durant, Okla., Kellie Kennedy of Morris, Ill., Casey Tinkler of Durant, Okla., and Kevin O’Connell of Teague, Texas as well as nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Garland Tinkler of Lake Jackson, Texas, Donella Tucker of Abilene, Texas, Mary Fondren of Heath, Texas, David Tinkler of Ada, Okla. and Connie Stilwell of Norman, Okla., along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ginger Tinkler, his parents, and sister Sharon Faye Tinkler.
A graveside service will be held in his memory on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020, at 2 p.m. at the pavilion at Highland Cemetery in Durant, Oklahoma. Family visitation will follow the memorial service at Roma Italian Restaurant at 3 p.m.
Services are under the direction of Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla. www.holmescoffeymurray.com