Herman Lee Tinker, Sr.

Born in Uniontown Alabama; Herman Lee Tinker Sr. 81, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and loved ones on November 18, 2019.  Herman was the youngest of nine children born to the union of William Sr. and Mary (Dittley) Tinker on May 8, 1938. As a graduate of Central High School in Fort Wayne, he participated in Cross Country as well as Track & Field where he was highly regarded as “Jumping Jack Herman Tinker” due to his amazing feats in the broad-jump event. Afterwards; Herman enlisted in the U.S Army, where he was as a member of the distinguished Airborne Unit while stationed in Fort Campbell KY, where he served until receiving an Honorable Discharge in May of 1962. As one who strongly believed in lifelong learning; Herman attended and also graduated from Ivy Tech College, where he earned an Associates’ Degree in Advanced Electronics. His favorite hobby was working (money, money money), he felt like the only time one should miss work is if they were genuinely sick and unable to do so. Early in his career; he was employed with International Harvester until the company relocated to Springfield, Ohio. Later, he became Employed with Public Transportation Corp. (PTC) / Citilink until full retirement after 31 years of service. Yet; not being one to just “sit around” he returned 3 months later as a part time driver with Citilink. Herman continued to work part time until his illness prevented him from working at all. Not being able to work was not an easy option for him to accept. He was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved his family very much and always created nicknames for a few. In addition; he loved hosting family gatherings so he could showcase his extraordinary culinary skills and uncanny affinity for music. At the time of his untimely passing; plans were in the works to host a gathering for the final Christmas he felt he would be able to celebrate. Herman could entertain with the best of them and never missed an opportunity to display his favorite dance moves which included the “Rubberneck” and the “Shotgun.” 

Herman is survived by his very special love Helen Griffin and his children, Larry A. (Vianda) Tinker, Kimberlee M. Tinker (Alvin) Sanders, Rosalind G. Tinker of Mesa, AZ, Herman L. Tinker, Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, LaShawn Tinker, of Fishers, IN, Sherryl Tinker, Sala Ivey, of Roseville, MI, Ayo Ervin, of Atlanta, GA, Veronica Poindexter, Darryl (Jane) Poindexter of Toledo, OH, and Robert Griffin, Sr. of Cookeville, TN,. Siblings include 2 sisters, Queen Esther Green and Gassie Mae Green both of Fort Wayne, IN. He also leaves to cherish his memory; 25 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and a whole host of nieces, nephews, friends, and cousins. He is preceded in death by three grandchildren Tanisha L. Tinker, Brandon J A Tinker, and Brittney Poindexter. 1 great grandson Reider Griffin, 3 sisters, Ernest Lee Green, Willie Lorean Tinker Green Rogers, and Beatrice Tinker Kidd. 3 brothers Johnnie D. Tinker, William Tinker Jr, and Harrison Tinker.

Although his sudden departure has left an indelible mark upon the hearts of those who knew him; and he will be missed. Take solace in knowing, the impression he leaves with us, simply means; he is loved by many, and remembered by all.

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