Everyone at Cowsmopolitan extends our most sincere condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Washington Jersey Breeder Donald Tomlinson, of Walla Walla, WA, who passed away on January 11.
Donald Dean Tomlinson, 93, of Walla Walla, peacefully passed away at his farm on Wednesday, January 11, 2017. Don was born on November 4, 1923, in Walla Walla to Walter & Ruby (Nelson) Tomlinson.
He grew up in the Walla Walla Valley, attended local schools, and graduated from WA-HI in 1942. In September 1942 he attended Washington State (College) University, joined the Reserve Corps and in March 1943 joined the U.S. Army. He served his country in the Pacific theatre under General MacArthur and was honorably discharged in January 1946.
After returning from the war, he completed his college degree in Agriculture (Animal Husbandry) from W.S.U. in 1950. As a young man, he worked as a herdsman on his uncle’s Dairy operation learning the art of Dairy Farming.
Don met Eleanor Koehler at “The Nat” (Natatorium Dance Hall) in Walla Walla and they were married on May 6, 1956. In 1957, he founded Elladon Jersey Farm with his 100 cow herd, and continued the Tomlinson legacy of producing milk in the Walla Walla Valley until 1995.
He was an active member of the Northwest Dairy Association producing milk for Arden Farms & Darigold. He was a member of Prospect Point Grange #1067, Farm Bureau, judged many 4-H competitions and will be remembered as a man who was committed to Agriculture. His herd was his pride and joy, earning many awards at regional fairs all over the Northwest. He was a member of the Walla Walla Iris club and enjoyed many hours in his Iris garden of over 100 varieties, which he enjoyed displaying and sharing with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his sons Marshall, Walter, and Kirk (wife, Kristin); his brother, Raymond; and two Granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruby, and sisters, Dorothy, Lois, and Margaret. He will be missed by his family and friends. Viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, January 20th, at 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 21 at 11 a.m. at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Christian Aid Center, Shriners Children’s Hospital, in Spokane, or St. Jude’s through The Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.