Judge John E. Tomlin, 65, of Center, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at his home. He was born November 23, 1943 in Center to Dewey Edward Tomlin and Nera Edna Ford Tomlin. Judge Tomlin has served as Shelby County Judge since January 1, 2007. He was a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, The Historical Society & The Historical Commission. Judge Tomlin had also served as a school board member for Center ISD for over 10 years. Having grown up as a member of the Providence Baptist Church, he most recently was a member of The First United Methodist Church in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, July 23, 2009 at The First United Methodist Church in Center with Rev. Charlotte Austin officiating. Interment to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be:
Nacogdoches County Judge, Joe English
Panola County Judge, David Anderson
San Augustine County Judge, Randy Williams
Sabine County Judge, Charles Watson
273rd District Judge, Charles Mitchell
123rd District Judge, Guy Griffin

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Sons of the Republic of Texas

He is survived by:

Wife, Ann Tomlin of Center

Daughters:
Angie Tomlin & husband Eric Wilkins of Abilene
Suzanne Tomlin of Austin

Brother, Newton Tomlin & wife Judy of Gladewater

Nephews:
Tim Craven of Phoenix, Arizona
Scott Tomlin of Nederland

Uncle, E.A. Tomlin of Nacogdoches

Beloved Pet, Emma "Thunderpaws"

Also numerous other relatives and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by:
Parents, Dewey Edward Tomlin and Nera Edna Ford Tomlin
Sister, Betty Tomlin Craven
Brother, Jarrell Tomlin

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Judge Tomlin's name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org), The Roughrider Scholarship Fund, or the American Diabetes Association.