Thomas (Tom) William Turflinger

  • Died: August 3, 2019
  • Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana

D O McComb and Sons - Covington Knolls

8325 Covington Rd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46804

Tel. (260) 426-9494

Tribute & Message From The Family


Thomas (Tom) William Turflinger, 75, passed away on August 3, 2019. Tom was born in Ft. Wayne in 1944 to Thomas H. and Betty R. Prill Turflinger. Tom graduated from South Side High School in 1962. He then proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a Radar Repairman from 1963 to 1966. Tom received an honorable discharge as a Sergeant while in the 10th Marines, 2d Marine Division, FMF, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Tom then put his USMC radar and electronics experience to work for Bowmar Instrument Corporation, where he was employed from 1966 until 1973. In 1974, Tom earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University. In 1975, Tom began 26 years of service in the Ft. Wayne Police Department.
Tom happily called Ft. Wayne home for most of his life, but he also loved to travel the continental United States, which he regularly did with his two sons and a Jayco pop-up trailer every summer throughout the 80s and 90s. He was easily recognizable by his over 40-year-old mustache, suspenders and vest. He was a car enthusiast, doo-wop lover, handyman, motorcycle rider and an avid mower of lawns. Tom loved to spend his time with his closest friends at the VFW and the American Legion, where he could often be found listening to live music with pull-tabs and a Jim Beam. Tom's gruff exterior was often belied by a twinkle in his eye, and it masked a man with a golden heart who spent an immeasurable amount of his time selflessly helping others.
Tom is survived by his sons Jason and Bradley Turflinger, sister Verna Hilworth, and partner Nelli. Tom was the proud grandfather of Sophia, Sondre and Estella. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robin, and his sisters, Patricia and Lana.
A funeral service will be held at 1pm, Saturday, August 17, at DO McComb and Sons Lakeside Park, 1140 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, with a viewing starting at 11 am. A burial service will immediately follow at Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). For online condolences, please visit www.domccombandsons.com

Services

Condolence & Memory Journal

Jason & Bradley, So sorry to hear the passing of your dad! Always enjoyed getting his yearly Christmas card, and the friendship he developed with my mother Betty L Turflinger) in her later years. Heartfelt sympathy sent!

Posted by Sur Ota - Gilbert, AZ - Family   September 04, 2019

Had great conversations with Tom at the legion post. Really enjoyed those and will miss them. Prayers and god bless to the family.

Posted by Corey Kirby - Ft. Wayne, IN - friend   August 15, 2019

It so saddened me to hear this. I got to know Tom while bartending at the Legion. He would bring sweet Dorothy in just before closing on Wednesday nights after hitting the VFW first. He drove me a little bonkers at first because he always grabbed a wrag first to wipe the bar when I thought I always kept a clean bar...ha ha. But it was always a pleasure talking to him. He helped me out by counting my tips for me while I was closing up and always offered to stay until I was done so I wouldn't have to leave by myself. I usually told him I was good, but there were many nights that he and I and Dorothy would leave at the same time. Rest in Peace Tom....

Posted by Suzi Hershberger - Fort Wayne, IN   August 13, 2019

Candle


RIP TOM

Posted by Rick Werst - Ftw In,   August 12, 2019

This was a fitting tribute to a class man and real gentleman. He was a best friend. He loved his family, past and present.
My sincere sympathy to Brad, Jason, Verna Rita, Dorothy and all the grandchildren.
He will be remembered often in my thoughts and prayers for he and his family and friends.
A real honor to have met and known him.

Cyril(Cid) Pfeiffer

Posted by Cyril Pfeiffer - FORT WAYNE, IN   August 10, 2019

One of the finest men in blue we have ever met. May he rest in peace. Our sympathy to the family.

Posted by Steve & Cindy Cress - Fort Wayne, IN - Acquaintance   August 10, 2019

Tom was always kind to me whenever I'd see him on the streets of FW. I thank him for his service on the FWPD, and in our military. May he rest in peace now

Posted by Jackie Curtin - Fort, IN - Acquaintance   August 09, 2019

Brad & Jason - sending you love

Posted by Shontael Elward - Sherwood, OH - family   August 09, 2019

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