David Paul Tinkle passed away peacefully at home in Madera, CA on Friday April 9, 2021. Dave was born July 5, 1942. He was 78 years old* He was surrounded by his loved ones during this difficult time.
Dave was born to Ruth and James Tinkle in Bakersfield, CA. He was the youngest of four children. He graduated from Fresno State receiving his B.A. in Biology. He continued at Fresno State receiving his M.A. in Biology. He did his graduate research in Zoology at the University of British Colombia, Canada. Early on in his career, he was a biology and science teacher. Then transitioned to an elementary resource teacher supplying teachers with materials and ideas in difficult educational areas. Finally becoming an educational administrator for Migrant Education.

Dave loved the outdoors. He was a former member of the Sierra Club. He had a vegetable garden and fruit trees for many years, which kept him happily busy. Being in nature was where he was happiest. If anyone ever needed help with something, he was always the first to enthusiastically volunteer. As so many can attest to, he was always so eager to help those in need which led him to become a member of the Lions Club upon his retirement.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Harold and Robert Tinkle.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 34 years Elisa Tinkle, former spouse Karen Tinkle and his children Stacey Martin, Stephaney Owens and Keith Owens, daughter in law Natasha Owens, grandchildren Bailey Martin, Ethan Owens and Ashton Owens, along with his brother Stan Tinkle. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and forever in their hearts.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the amazing staff at Compassionate Care Hospice who handled his transition period with kindness and dignity.

Remembrances may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue FL 17 Chicago, IL 60601 www.act.alz.

Private Service will be held at Jay Chapel, May 3, 2021