David Ralph Tomlin
David Ralph Tomlin, 58, of Grand Blanc, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on David’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
David Ralph Tomlin was born on August 14, 1967 in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Billy and Lana (Thorpe) Tomlin and younger brother of Mark Tomlin. The family moved to Lake Orion when Dave was three years old. Dave was well known in the Oxford and Lake Orion areas as he worked for many years at his mother’s salon, Desert Tan. Dave married his wife, Shawn (Farmer) Tomlin, in 2001. They had two children, Devany and Leah. Dave was a stay-at-home-dad who loved his children very much. He was a lifelong lover of hockey, particularly the Detroit Red Wings, classic movies, Monty Python, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Mystery Science Theater. He was a quick wit and had a mental library of movie quotes at the ready. He enjoyed cooking and was a fabulous bread maker. He was artistic and liked to have a project to work on. He was loved by all who knew him.
Left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Shawn (Farmer) Tomlin; his children: Leah Tomlin, and Devany Tomlin; his mother, Lana Tomlin; his brother Mark Tomlin (Pam).
David was preceded in death by his father, Billy Tomlin.
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Shawn, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have been thinking of you and your girls constantly and keeping you in my prayers. Sending you much love!
Shawn, my heart goes out to you and the girls. I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers, and I’m asking for strength and comfort to surround you in the days ahead. Sending you all much love!
Dave, you remain one of my special nephews. Of course, everyone knows all my nephews & nieces are special to me. I have been blessed to be aunt to you. You were intelligent and kind, quiet but witty, and so handsome. I will forever more long to give you another hug, and of course another bit of my “auntie” wisdom. You have a special piece of my heart!
My heart hurts so bad For wanting you here David you are so special to us I loved your warm smile. I love all my nephews And I don’t want to lose any. It hurts so bad to have lost you I hope you’re at peace.
Shawn, I am broken by the news of Dave’s passing. You all being our favorite neighbors, I knew him as the gentlest, kindest man. I’m praying that you, Leah, and Deviny are able to find some peace and comfort in knowing how much you all are loved.
My sweet son, I will love and miss you the rest of my days. The days since you left us have been long and sad. We are all trying to understand and it doesn’t seem real. I will forever love and cherish your beautiful wife and daughters.
Shawn and girls we send our love and hope you find some peace I know you will miss Dave forever as we will
Shawn and girls , please accept our condolences, we will miss Dave also
My heart aches for all of you
Dave was a great guy
Lana& Mark & Dave’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dave was a very nice young man. I am praying for God’s comfort for all of you
Helen Blair