William "Howie" Howard Tomlinson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved William Howard (Howie) Tomlinson, 62 of Ridgecrest, CA.  Howie went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after passing away peacefully at his home on April 5, 2025.  Howie was surrounded by many members of his loving family.  Howie was Born on September 18, 1962, in McKinney, TX, raised in surrounding TX areas, and has lived in Ridgecrest for the past twenty plus years.

Howie served in the United States Navy from August 1986 to October 1997 with an honorable discharge as an E5 Senior Naval Parachutist (Parachute Rigger).  Howie was proud to serve his country and completed Naval Air Technical Training Aircrew Survival Equipmentman A1 School at Lakehurst New Jersey, January 1987. He completed Airborne Jump School at Fort Benning, GA June 1994. He sailed the rugged seas while serving as an A-6 Intruder Aircrew Survival Equipmentman in Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-85) while deployed on board USS America (CV 66) to the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and Arabian Gulf from December 1991 to June 1992. He served in multiple conflicts and received multiple military decorations.

Howie's devotion to his wife Billie was unwavering and deeply felt by those close friends and family that knew them together.  He loved the Lord with all of his heart and was an active member of Crossroads Community Church serving on the men's POWER mission Team and assisting with streaming live church services.  He enjoyed nature, being outdoors seeing God's creation, fishing, hunting, watching the birds, traveling, and riding his e-bike with Billie.  He loved jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, driving fast cars, dirt bikes, and Harley's. He had no fear, was disorganized, could fix anything, loved music, and was always willing to help those in need.

Howie is survived by his loving wife Billie Chanel; his son Justin (Madelyn); stepchildren Briana, Joshua, and Shae; grandchildren Caiden, Brycen, Walker, Wyatt, and Elias; father Fred (Marie), mother Amelia (Max); brother Freddie (Julie), mother-in-law Dianne; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces / nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Crossroads Community Church, 235 North China Lake Blvd., Ridgecrest, CA.  Reception immediately following service.

Military Service with Navy honors will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:15 a.m.  Muster at 5:00 a.m. at Holland Lyons, 216 South Norma Street, Ridgecrest, CA 93555.  Depart from Holland Lyons at 5:30 a.m. convoy to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122.  The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) will lead the funeral procession.