Final Salute

John William Tombarge passed away August 24, 2022. He was 91 years old. Though he was born in Minnesota, he was proud to say he hailed from Dazey, North Dakota, where he grew up in a small farm community with his four brothers and one sister. He learned the value of honest work, the significance of family and importance of education. He graduated from Dazey High School in 1949 and spent his first year of college at the University of North Dakota. Having used his college savings, he transferred to the University of Nebraska on a NROTC scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1954. Immediately following graduation, he married the love of his life, Arlyss Gilliland of Aurora, Nebraska. Together, they began a 27-year career of active naval service.

John began his career on a mine sweeper during the Cold War and was part of the American military presence during the Cuban missile crisis. He later moved from the Line to the Civil Engineering Corps and joined Mobile Construction Battalion 7 (MCB-7) becoming a Seabee officer, a designation he claimed with pride for the remainder of his life. He served in Vietnam and, during the Tet Offensive, earned a Bronze Star with Valor for bravery during combat. Additionally, he served tours of duty in California, Rhode Island, Italy, Florida, Iceland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, where he completed his career at the rank of Captain. Along the way, he graduated from the Naval Post Graduate School and earned a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan.

Following retirement from the Navy in 1981, John and Arlyss moved to Delaware, Ohio, where John served as the Physical Plant Director for Ohio Wesleyan University until 1993. He closed his long career with five years as a consultant for the local school system. John greatly enjoyed living in Delaware, where he was active in many community groups and attended Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church.

In 2018, John and Arlyss moved to Chesapeake, Virginia, to be closer to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of 68-years, Arlyss; their three children: Cheryl Larner (Rick), Sandra Tombarge and John Tombarge, Jr. (Sherri); grandchildren: Melissa, Alisande, Brittany, Lauren, Sarah, Brianna, Bonnie and Stephen; seven great-grandchildren; siblings Norbert, Kathleen, Kenneth and Carl; and, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Clarence.

A memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 28 E. William St., Delaware, OH 43015 or to the Alzheimer Association, Williamsburg Branch Office, 358 McLaws Circle, Suite 1, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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