David Paul Tomlinson, 78, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

David was born in 1947 in Haskell, Texas, the son of Austin O. Tomlinson, Sr. and Mary Ruth Jacobs Kuhler. He grew up in Munday, Texas, where he was an all-around athlete and graduated from Munday High School in 1966.

He attended Texas Tech University and later earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics and education from Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas. David went on to receive his master's degree from North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. He taught and coached in Denton before relocating to Midland, Texas in 1977, where he continued teaching and coaching middle school. After retiring from education, David opened his own insurance agency. In 1994, he and his family moved to Alabama, where they opened several restaurants.

David married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Baty, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rhineland, Texas. They shared 58 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with two daughters, Kimberly Kroeger and Patricia Tomlinson-Long. From those beginnings, their example of love and devotion grew into a strong and faithful family, including 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

David's priorities were always his faith and his family. He was an avid golfer who cherished time with family and friends. A constant jokester, David's mischievous grin was often the first clue he was up to something. He loved old westerns and even participated in Western Pleasure horse shows—once in the middle of a tornado. He enjoyed sports and was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. He also loved playing games, though everyone knew you had to keep a close eye on him. One of his greatest joys was taking Sandy for a spin around the dance floor.

A lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, David was honored as a Lifetime Honorary Member.

David was the rock of our family. He loved to travel with them—whether to Napa Valley, Disney World, or the beach—and he delighted in spoiling his grandchildren with shopping sprees, golf camps, trips to Spring Valley Beach, and the cherished rule that what happened at Nana and Papa's house stayed at Nana and Papa's house.

He was preceded in death by his father, Austin O. Tomlinson, Sr.; his mother, Mary Ruth; and his older brother, Austin O. Tomlinson, Jr.

Those left to cherish David's memory include his beloved wife, Sandy; daughters, Kimberly (Michael) Kroeger of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Patty Tomlinson-Long of Meridianville, Alabama; grandchildren: Gabrielle (Tyler) Drew, Michaella (Dashton) Merritt, Camille (Lazarus) Travis, Christian (Theresa) Long, Joshua Kroeger, Dayne (Gracie) Long, Noah (Isabelle) Kroeger, John Thomas Long, Coltan Long, and Trinity Long; and two great-grandchildren, Felicity Merritt and Felix Merritt. He is also survived by his sisters, Eve Moore of Camas, Washington, and Karen Selby of Trophy Club, Texas, along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation and Rosary will be held Thursday, February 19, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Huntsville, Alabama. On Friday, February 20, visitation and a eulogy will be held from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd, followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon for family and friends will follow the Mass.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care for the compassion, support, and exceptional care shown to David and to our family during this journey. Words cannot express our gratitude. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care or to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, or to your favorite charity in David's honor.

Berryhill Funeral Home assisted the family.