Robert Veryl Tompkins

Robert Veryl Tompkins, age 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 7, 2014, surrounded by loved ones.

Bob was born May 7, 1929, in Walla Walla to Veryl and Eva Mae (Williams) Tompkins. He spent his early years north of Walla Walla on the family wheat farm. Bob’s family moved into the Tompkins family home on Whitman St. in Walla Walla when he was 8 years old. He attended school at Pleasantview and Walla Walla public schools, graduating from Walla Walla High School in 1948. He then pursued a degree in Agronomy at Washington State College (now Washington State University), where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

After finishing college, Bob accepted the draft notice for the Army, received specialized training in electronics repair, and served the remainder of his service time in Korea. Before heading off to service duty, he married the love of his life, Nancy D. Nessel on Oct. 18, 1952. They began married life in California where Bob was stationed before heading to Korea.

After serving in Korea, Bob and Nancy moved to Lind, Wash., to begin his farming career raising wheat. While farming in Lind, they were blessed with four boys: Douglas, Brent, Bradley and Mark. In 1974, they moved to Walla Walla where they resided until Nancy’s death in 2005. Bob continued to be involved in farming with his two sons, Brent and Brad until his death.

As a very young boy, Bob developed a love of aircraft. Many nights were spent watching WWII planes returning to the airbase in Walla Walla. He loved flying and earned his pilot’s license at the age of 16. In later years, he became an avid gardener and took great pride in his vegetable gardens and fruit trees. One of Bob’s greatest joys and passions was his love for the Lord; it was his most fervent desire that everyone would know Christ as their personal Savior. On June 10, 2006, Bob married Elizabeth (Weatherup) Tompkins. They made their home in Walla Walla, where they welcomed and entertained many friends and family as they continued their involvement in the community.

Bob was an active member of each of the communities in which he lived. He served on the Lind School Board of Education, and in several administrative capacities as a member of Pioneer United Methodist Church; he was in Rotary Club, Elks Club, and Tuesday morning Men’s Bible Study Group to name a few. He volunteered at the Christian Aid Center and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Liz Tompkins; four sons, Douglas (Debbie) Tompkins of West Linn, Ore., Brent (Denise) Tompkins of Prescott, Bradley (Jackie) Tompkins of Walla Walla, Mark (Tina) Tompkins of Walla Walla; and five step-children. Bob is also survived by nine grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as grandpa. He is also survived by his brother, Ronald (Beverly) Tompkins of Walla Walla; and sister, Peggy (Charles) Leslie of Spokane; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy.

A memorial service will be held at Pioneer United Methodist Church on Feb. 15, 2014, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer United Methodist Church, Walla Walla Community Hospice, Christian Aid Center or another charity of your choice through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla.