Lew John Tinker

Lew John Tinker, 89, of Poplar Bluff, MO, passed away on July 08, 2026, at Baptist Home in Ironton, just shy of his 90th birthday.

Lew was born on July 15, 1936, to Harrison and Lillie (Mayse) Tinker in Butler County near Hendrickson, Missouri. He married Jo Timmerman, the love of his life, on December 17, 1955.

Lew grew up on a farm in the Three Springs area. He and his siblings were often expected to help with planting crops and tending to chores around the farm. When chores were complete (and sometimes before), Lew was headed to the river to fish! In his teens, he began his work career at Gowan's Grocery and in 1958 took a position at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Poplar Bluff. Over the span of the next 36 years, Lew went from route driver to Division Manager. After his retirement from Coca-Cola in 1994, he worked part-time for Osborn Paint and did lawn mowing on the side to keep himself busy. Lew was of the Christian faith and attended numerous local churches throughout his life. Some of his hobbies included spending time outdoors, working in his yard and detailing his vehicles. Lew also enjoyed playing cards and Dominos. He was a hardworking and simple man who loved his family.

Lew is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Jo Tinker; three children, Dianne (Jerry) Affholter, Keith Tinker, and Kevin (Lisa) Tinker; 10 grandchildren, Shanda (Danny) Boatright, Aaron (Kendra) Chronister, Christine Tinker, Zane Tinker, Canon Tinker, Melissa (Saman) Beyhaghi, Adam (Karen) Affholter, Sarah (Derek) Yerkovich, Samantha (Miguel) Affholter-Avila, and Erin (Tony) Nelson; eleven great-grandchildren, Brynn and Braden Boatright, Carter and Cooper Chronister, Shinya Jack Tinker, Dylan, Alex, Blake, and Ayla Affholter, Eva and Dakota Yerkovich; sister-in-law, Bernita Sanderson; along with numerous extended family members and friends.

Lew was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Loren Colvin and IvaJean Smith; two brothers, Creed Tinker and Don Tinker.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Baptist Home and all staff that cared for Lew during the last year of his life. In lieu, of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Baptist Home, 101 Riggs Scott Lane, Ironton, MO 63650.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, from 11:00am-12:00pm at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral service will follow beginning at Noon. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Mr. Lew Tinker. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.