Jack Eugene Tinder

1937-2024

Jack Eugene Tinder (86), of Guthrie, entered in the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ on April 6, with his family by his side at Oklahoma City’s Mercy Hospital.

Jack was born in 1937. The second of Herbert and Gladys Tinder’s six children on the family farm near Dover. Jack brought a delightful sense of amusement and a loving heart that he eagerly shared with his siblings: Lois, Dean, Margaret, Marie and Jim.

Jack was a standout basketball player at Omega High School and once set the school record by scoring 36 points in a game. After graduating in 1957, he received an athletic scholarship to Lamar Junior College in Colorado.

After college, Jack served with distinction in the United States Army as a medical assistant in the American military community of Kaiserslautern, Germany.

After his service, he met Linda Embree who worked at an Enid soda fountain. Soon after, Jack and Linda were married in 1962. A few years later, they adopted two children: Justin in 1968 and Teresa in 1970.

Initially, Jack worked as a plumber, even owning his own business. Later, he transitioned into the oil and gas industry as an electrical technician, spending the last 17 years in Crescent.

Jack was a long-time member of the Scottish Right of Freemasonry, where he rose in rank to the 33rd degree, the highest level honored. Although he held several roles with the Order, he most enjoyed his role as chaplain in his final years.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Gladys Tinder; his wife, Linda Tinder; and his brother Jim Tinder.

He is survived by a son, Justin, and his wife Nancy Tinder; their two children, Ryan and Lucas; a daughter, Teresa Kitchens and her husband Cory; and their son Kale and his wife Tasha.

The service celebrating his life will be Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at Crawford Family Funeral Home in Edmond.

Published in the Guthrie News Leader - April 10, 2024