Dr. Paul B. Tinlin of Springfield, Missouri went to be with the Lord on April 9, 2024. Paul was born to Rev. Edgar and Muriel (Begg) Tinlin on June 3, 1934 in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. He spent his teenage years in Toronto, Canada where his father pastored. After graduating high school, Paul attended Peterborough Pentecostal Assemblies Bible School for one year. He went on to complete his four year Ministerial Degree at Central Bible College, in Springfield, Missouri in 1955. There he met Elizabeth “Betty” Zimmerman, and they were married September 26, 1959, after graduation. Paul completed a Masters of Ministry (M.Div.) at Memphis Theological Seminary in 1972. He then completed his Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min.) at Trinity Theological Seminary in 1986.
Paul’s first ministry position was Christian Education Director at Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri. Soon after that he took an Assistant Pastor position in Wichita, Kansas. Paul and Elizabeth were then called to plant a church in Waterloo, Iowa from 1961-64. They then went on to Lexington, Kentucky First Assembly of God from 1964-1970. After six years in Lexington, Paul and Elizabeth moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he pastored Whitehaven Assembly of God for three years. In 1973, Paul was called to Evangel Assembly of God in Schaumburg, Illinois where he was the first full-time pastor, and remained there for over 31 years. Paul lead Evangel in three major building programs and married, dedicated, baptized, and buried many of his flock. He was a true Shepherd at heart. He had a love and passion for the Word of God and teaching the Word. Paul pastored for over 43 years, and he will be remembered as a teacher, preacher, scholar and friend to all. Paul was privileged to make several missions trips during his ministry. His churches were always noted as happy churches; he believed a merry heart doeth good like medicine. He loved to make people laugh.
In 2004, Paul retired in Springfield, Missouri, where he and Elizabeth became caregivers for Elizabeth’s mother. Paul enjoyed retirement pursuing many hobbies and interests. He loved spending time at Lake of the Ozarks where he fished and boated. He was a master woodworker. Paul was also President of the Lyons Club; President of North Shore Condo Association; a member of the Happy Plunkers Ukulele Band; learned to play the bass guitar at age 80; restored a 1965 Farm All, a 1968 VW Bug and a 1971 Formula Thunderbird. Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. started Morning Glory Farm in 2008, which continues to thrive. Nothing brought Paul more joy than being with his family.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents Edgar and Muriel Tinlin; sister Thelma Phillips and brother John Tinlin. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Elizabeth C. Tinlin; his daughter Katherine Elizabeth Tinlin; his son Paul Edgar (Tara) Tinlin, Jr.; granddaughter Elizabeth Abigael Tinlin; great-granddaughter Grace Elizabeth Tinlin and a host of family and friends.
A visitation for Paul will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Springfield, Missouri, from 10-11am at Central Assembly of God, with a celebration of Paul’s life at 11:00am, interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to Seasons Hospice.
Rev. Tinlin’s celebration of life will be simulcasted at www.@centralassembly.tv.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North.