Kay Brunton TILLMAN

TILLMAN, POSSEHL, BLAIR, SMITH, MUELLER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:44

October 27, 1932 --- August 18, 2017

Kay Brunton Tillman entered into heavenly rest on August 18, 2017 after battling cancer. He was born on a farm outside of Clarion, Iowa to Charles and Jean Tillman on October 27th, 1932. His four older siblings were Wendell, George (Mick), Philip and Lois. By the age of 4 he earned the nickname "Work" helping his father with chores on the farm. He continued working as a mechanic, serving his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, and settling into the family optical business, Brunton-T Tillman Optical established in 1947. Joining his brother Phil Tillman and uncle John Brunton in the optical business led him to Riverside, California after his high school graduation. He continued his life in Riverside until his passing. He married Evelyn Possehl in 1958 and together they had three children, Jeff, Jenny and John. Kay and Evelyn were married for 24 years. Later, he and Connie Blair were married for 18 years.

Throughout his life, he worked on his hobbies. He built ski boats, dune buggies, and his barn. He enjoyed working his ranch including horses and orange groves. He was an avid falconer. He built and flew model airplanes and later chose to work on model boats instead. He was a pillar in the Inland Nautical Society; an R/C model boat club. He was nationally recognized as a champion scale model boat craftsman, establishing his business, Tillman Boat and Bronze, selling his handiwork.

He is survived by his children, Jeff (& Carmen) Tillman, Jenny Smith, John (& Sonja) Tillman and their mother Evelyn Tillman. His grandchildren are Trent, Drew, Dallas, Torrin, Riley and Carly. He has many nieces and nephews, and is also survived by Connie Blair and stepson Dayne Mueller. He was loved by his family and admired by all who knew him. He will be missed every day.

The memorial service for Kay Tillman will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on September 3, 2017 at 1:00pm. Wear your Levi's or denim, if you would like, at the service in his memory.

Press-Enterprise --- Riverside, California
August 27, 2017