THE PLAINS, Ohio –– George “Russ” Tinkham, age 94, of The Plains, Ohio, passed away peacefully January 21, 2026, at O’Bleness Hospital in Athens.
Russ was born March 28, 1931, in The Plains to the late Carl and Mildred (Lovsey) Tinkham. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He was married to his beloved wife, Shirley Tinkham, for 70 years before her passing, Thanksgiving 2025.
Russ proudly served his country as an Airman First Class in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a longtime member of the Elks Lodge 973 in Athens and Constitution Lodge 426 F&AM in New Marshfield. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf, spending time with his family, mowing yards, and faithfully cheering on his Ohio State Buckeyes. Russ spent most of his career as a supervisor at Abex Tire and Mold, which he took great pride in.
He is survived by his son, Rusty (Janice) Tinkham; daughter, Luanne Weisenbach; and brother-in-law, Thomas (Tom) McGee. He also leaves behind his cherished grandsons, Cory (Erin) Tinkham and Kris (Makenzie Greene) Weisenbach; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Carter Tinkham and Camerin Tinkham (children of Cory and Erin), and Daisy Weisenbach (daughter of Kris and Makenzie).
In addition to his wife and parents, Russ was preceded in death by six brothers, James, Raymond, Carl (Sonny), Bill, Robert and Roger Tinkham; and four sisters, Elaine Davis, Beulah Radford, Louise Lucas, and Barbara Howard.
Funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home in Athens. Burial will be in The Plains (Hocking) Cemetery. Friends may call 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Athens Elks Lodge 973 will hold services 12:30 p.m. Friday and Constitution Lodge 426 will hold services 12:45 p.m. Friday, both at the funeral home. Military Rites will be conducted by K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion and VFW Post 9896 Honor Guards at the funeral home.
Please share a memory a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank all the staff, nurses and aides at the Laurels of Athens for their dedication and loving care. We also would like to thank the nurses and aides of Ohio Health O’Bleness Hospital and Homereach Hospice for their compassionate care during Russ’s final days.
