Paul H. Tomlin, a beloved member of the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Great Bend communities, passed away in Oklahoma City on November 28th, 2023 at the age of 69. Born on December 11, 1953, to Harold Vincent Tomlin and Katherine Ann Tomlin, Paul's life was filled with passion, creativity, and a deep love for his family and friends.
Paul's journey began in Great Bend, Kansas, where he graduated from Great Bend High School in 1971. He then pursued his passion for photography and videography at Oklahoma City Community College, where he honed his skills and developed a keen eye for capturing moments. His talent led him to become a camera operator at Station KWTV-9 in Oklahoma City, where he brought stories to life through his lens.
In addition to his work at KWTV-9, Paul also dedicated his time and talent to the Oklahoma City Community College of Public Health as a videographer. His commitment to capturing the essence of public health initiatives and spreading awareness through his videos was truly commendable.
Paul's creativity extended beyond the realm of videography. He was also an accomplished musician, with a special talent for playing the guitar. His love for music was infectious, and he generously shared his knowledge by teaching guitar in continuing education classes. Through his teachings, he inspired countless individuals to discover the joy of creating music.
From a young age, Paul's faith played a significant role in his life. As an altar boy in his youth and a devoted member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, he found solace and strength in his spiritual journey. His unwavering faith served as a guiding light, bringing comfort to those around him.
Paul's artistic spirit extended beyond his professional pursuits. He also found joy in the world of theater, showcasing his acting skills in regional theaters throughout the Oklahoma City area. His performances were captivating, leaving audiences in awe of his talent and dedication.
Beyond his accomplishments, Paul will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature. He had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued, and his infectious laughter could brighten even the darkest of days. His genuine care for others and his ability to uplift those around him will forever be cherished.
Paul leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and love. His impact on the lives he touched will continue to resonate, reminding us to embrace our passions, nurture our talents, and spread joy wherever we go. As we bid farewell to Paul, let us celebrate his remarkable life and find solace in the memories we shared with him. May his spirit live on in our hearts, forever inspiring us to live life to the fullest.
Paul is survived by five brothers: Douglas Tomlin of Louisburg, Kansas, Mark (and Shirley) Tomlin of Great Bend, Bruce (and Carol) Tomlin of Maize, Kansas, Howard (and Lisa) Tomlin of Mesa, Arizona, and Adrian (and Carla) Tomlin of Great Bend; one sister, Lissa Kern of Maize, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his father Harold Vincent Tomlin in 2008, his mother Katherine Ann Tomlin in 2016, and a nephew Christopher Jacob Kern.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 15, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Great Bend, Kansas with Father Prakash Kola officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 14th at Charter Funerals in Great Bend, Kansas. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery North at Great Bend. The family suggests that Memorial Contributions may be designated to the Golden Belt Humane Society at Great Bend, Kansas.