Danny Michael Tomlinson

Danny Michael Tomlinson

July 9, 1948 – April 13, 2016

Danny Michael Tomlinson passed away on April 13, 2016 at Hope West Care Center in Grand Junction, CO. He was 67 years old.

Danny was born to the union of Happy August Draves and Thelma Bishop on July 9, 1948 in Telluride, Colorado.  After the death of his dad, he was adopted by Norman Tomlinson in November 1959, when his mother married again.  Danny was so happy about his mom getting remarried that he even went with them on their honeymoon.

Danny spent his childhood in Nucla, Colorado and later moved to Grand Junction with Mesa Developmental Services.  In 1997, Danny moved from the MDS group home into a host home with Ron and Nancy Sorensen and quickly became another member of their family.

Danny enjoyed listening to music, and knew so many songs by heart. Although Danny never learned to read, he knew exactly what record was what and what sleeve it went into.  Danny enjoyed bowling and even took part of the Special Olympics winning a metal. Danny enjoyed sitting in the sun, going for walks, collecting cans, and drinking coffee. Danny loved his Western Shows, everything from Bonanza to the Lone Ranger and anything with John Wayne, anyone was welcome to join him as long as they didn’t change the channel.  Danny never forgot a name or the sound of one’s voice, but then again, Danny was one that you couldn’t forget after meeting.

Danny is survived by his sisters, Leona (David) Merrick of Corvallis, MT; Linda (Richard) Lemmon of Clifton, CO; brothers, Leroy (Ann) Draves, Mark (Kandis) Tomlinson and Kent (Kelly) Tomlinson all of Nucla; Ron, Nancy and Torey Sorensen of Grand Junction, CO; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Danny is preceded in death by his father, Happy Draves, his parents, Norman and Thelma Tomlinson and brother Brett Tomlinson.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope West Hospice Care Center 3090 N 12th St #B, Grand Junction, CO  81506.  Crippin Funeral Home, Montrose, Colorado is assisting the family