Eddy Tompkins

In Loving Memory of Eddy Tompkins Eddy Tompkins was a devoted father, doting grandfather, avid collector of all things Betty Boop, and a master of all things mechanical. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, a family who adored him, and a garage full of tools that he knew how to use better than anyone. Eddy was born in Bay Village, Ohio on May 30, 1949 and passed away on December 18, 2025. A Legacy of Service A proud Vietnam War veteran, he served honorably in the United States Navy from October 16, 1967, to December 8, 1970. He served as a mechanic on UH-1B (Huey) helicopters with the elite Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) Three—HA(L)-3, known as the “Seawolves” and was stationed aboard the USS Coral Sea. After his time in the Navy, Eddy became a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and joined Post 4796 in Wickliffe, Ohio. He was a consistent member of the posts’ Color Guard and regularly carried the US flag during parades and ceremonies. The Man Who Could Fix Anything Eddy carried his knowledge of mechanics into his next profession as a diesel mechanic, a job he held at Collinwood Concrete for 40 years. To his family and friends, Eddy was the man who could fix anything. Whether it was a stubborn car engine, a leaky faucet, or a broken toy, he had a natural gift for understanding how things worked. He didn’t just repair objects, he restored them with a patience and precision that defined his character. If Eddy couldn't fix it, it probably wasn't worth fixing. A Life Lived Outdoors When he wasn’t under the hood of a car or a helicopter, Eddy was likely found under an open sky. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who found peace in the quiet of the woods and the ripples of the water. These outdoor adventures were rarely solo acts; Eddy loved nothing more than sharing the beauty of nature with his family, teaching the next generation how to bait a hook or spot a trail. His Greatest Joy: Family Of all his accomplishments, Eddy was most proud of the family he built. He married Carolyn, his wife of 52 years on February 23, 1973. He was the ultimate "Proud Dad" and an even prouder Grandpa. He was a constant, cheering fixture in the stands at his grandchildren’s sporting events and a captivated audience member at every concert. Laughter, Music, and "Ed-isms" Eddy’s personality was as vibrant as his sense of humor. He lived to laugh and was the undisputed king of the "dad joke." He famously had his own vocabulary, known affectionately as "Ed-isms"; invented words for common objects that became a permanent part of the family’s private language. His home was always filled with music, and Eddy was never one to just listen; he sang along with heart, reminding everyone around him not to take life too seriously. Legacy Eddy is survived by his wife, Carolyn, sisters Rita Staraitis and Naomi Zale, his children, Martha (Jim) and Eddy (Bethany) and his beloved grandchildren, Kaelyn, Eddy, Jackson, Elliott and Brynn who will continue to carry his tools, his "Ed-isms," and his joyful spirit with them. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Charles Tompkins and Wilda Newman Tompkins. Service Information A celebration of Eddy’s life will be held in early summer of 2026. Details of the service will be provided at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Mentor, OH. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Eddy Tompkins

May 30, 1949 - December 18, 2025