Dennis Tomlin

Dennis Tomlin passed away on July 12, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and countless people whose lives were made better through knowing him.

Dennis was born June 10, 1946, to Glynn and Bonnie Crane Tomlin in Fresno, California. However, he and his family got to Texas, as quickly as they could, in 1960 with a little help from their beloved uncle Shellie Tomlin. Dennis graduated from Silverton High School, obtained his undergraduate degree in education from West Texas State University and later his Master’s degree in education counseling from Texas Tech University. Thus, he started what has now become a legacy of Red Raiders.

Dennis was an educator and coach who spent his career shaping young people across the state of Texas. He coached high school and middle school football, basketball, and track, in Claude, Quanah, Stephenville, San Antonio, alongside the revered Coach Greg Sherwood in Spearman and Plainview, and served as head coach and athletic director in Snyder. His final coaching job was in the very supportive community of Sulphur Springs, Texas. Wherever he went, Dennis was known as an educator who left a profound impact on his students. As a coach, he valued the wins, but what mattered more to him was the impact he made on his players and the fun they had along the way.

Dennis married Margaret on February 21, 1969. They enjoyed life with school, church and athletics at the center while raising their two daughters, Deedra and Shelly. After almost 35 years of marriage, Dennis lost Margaret to cancer far too young in 2003. However, he was blessed to find love again when he met and married Kay Minter Tomlin in 2005. As a result, he gained bonus children Charles Minter (wife Sunshine) and Jenny Minter (husband Geoff). Unfortunately, Kay also preceded him in death in 2013. Following Kay's passing, Dennis welcomed a son, Ethan Mitchell, a previous student he had mentored from his days in middle school basketball into the family through adoption.

Later in life, he developed a passion for golf and enjoyed playing anywhere and everywhere, but loved golf most with his good friends and twin brother. Over the past several years though, nothing had excited him more than the successes of the Hatchett brothers at the University of Washington and Bryson Daily leading Army. Dennis treasured life's simple moments sharing/embellishing stories, laughing with family, and creating memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Dennis loved his family and was a wonderful father always there to encourage his children in sports and life. He loved God, had a personal relationship with Christ, taught Sunday school for years, and looked forward to the day he would see his Savior. His purpose was helping people. He was the coach kids and families turned to when times were tough. He guided several students to obtaining substance abuse treatment and helped start what was previously known as the Rape Crisis Center in Plainview. Even in his battle with cancer, he befriended a nurse and through his connections and assistance was able to help her son realize his dream of playing college football.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Howard Tomlin. He is survived by his daughter Deedra Tomlin Bentley (Bradley) and his daughter Shelly Tomlin Greco (Joseph), his twin brother Emmett Tomlin and his youngest brother Stanley Tomlin as well as the beloved grandchildren of their “Nutno” – Barek Bentley, Paige Bentley Mincey (Caden), Nicholas Greco, Roman Greco, Scott, Taylor, Elise Mitchell, Price and Tex Minter, Madison and Josie Hunsucker. He was proud of each of his grandchildren and his love was shown not only in words, but through his constant support, quiet sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to them. Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, we pray the love that Dennis gave and the impact he had on people will live on in them.

A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in remembrance of Coach Dennis Tomlin to the Texas High School Coaches Association-Education Foundation or Fellowship of Christian Athletes.