Bruce Tillman

Bruce Dwayne Tillman of Independence, MO went home to be with the Lord on June 20, 2020, at the age of 65. Memorial services will be held at 12:00pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Berry Acres, 6825 MO-131 Odessa, MO 64076.

Bruce was born on April 12, 1955, in West Plains, MO, and lived the majority of his life in the Kansas City metropolitan area. He graduated from Winnetonka High School in 1973 and retired as a Breadman from Bimbo Bakeries after 32 years of service. Bruce was a skilled fisherman and spent many days on the water with his beloved wife and family reeling in the memories. His hobbies included cheering on the Royals and the Chiefs, cooking, knife collecting, wood burning and carving. His love for the Lord was evident by all who knew him and he practiced his motto of “Reach out and teach someone” through his shared daily devotions.

Bruce is now reunited in Heaven with his mother Mary (nee Thompson) Tillman along with other loved ones. He is survived and loved by his father Don Tillman, his wife Ronda (nee Gilkey) Tillman, his sister Nancy (Ed) Williams; his brothers Terry (Sandy) Tillman and John (Cindy) Tillman. He was a proud father to his children Shelbi (Sam) Hinds, Chad (Lauren) Tillman, Paul Tillman, Jaime Carrier, Jennifer Carrier, Jessica (Leon) Fletcher. He doted on 15 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to the following organizations: Kansas City Hospice House & Palliative Care www.kchospice.org or Cancer Action, Inc. www.canceractionkc.org

For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

2 Cor. 5:7-8.

Condolences

  1. David Foust on June 22, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.



  2. Matt and Cathy Young on June 22, 2020 at 2:56 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.



  3. Polly Finks on June 22, 2020 at 3:15 pm

    To the entire Tillman family, former neighbors and beloved friends, so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
    Polly (Shane) Finks



  4. Carol Smith on June 22, 2020 at 3:42 pm

    Love to the Tillmans. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
    Carol (Foust) Smith



  5. Roy & Brenda McAllister on June 22, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss! He was a special person!



  6. Cory Hinesley on June 22, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    Bruce was a huge influence in my life and my family’s. He was such a good man and hilarious human being. He supported me and my journey with Christ and my unusual career choices. I will miss him terribly. All my love to the Tillman family during this time.



  7. Rachel Roberts on June 22, 2020 at 4:06 pm

    So sorry for your loss, keeping everyone in my prayers.



  8. Richard & Sue Dobbs on June 22, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    We are praying for the whole family! We love you!



  9. Dennis Foust on June 22, 2020 at 5:42 pm

    During those middle school years on Sunday afternoons, often I would shout, “go deep Bruce, go deep!” His life touched The Deep. And now he swims in the everlasting Light. Go deep, Bruce, go deep.



  10. Karen Hughes on June 22, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    Praying for the whole Tillman family. I didn’t know him but it sounds like he was very much loved by everyone. Look over your family now. They will join you soon.



  11. cheryl Boze hall on June 22, 2020 at 7:58 pm

    Thinking of you all! Loss to us left behind is the hard part! Hugs to you all.
    Love,
    Cheryl “Dimples” Boze Hall



  12. Ernestine (Gaddy) Guiley on June 22, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    Love and prayers for all the Tillman family. Bruce was always so special, he was truly a man of God and so appreciated. In this most difficult time I pray for God to just put His loving arms around you and hold you.I was so blessed to see all the Tillman family show up at Joe’s memorial service. Rhonda, I know just where you now and it is not easy, but I can say lean on Jesus and He will walk through this with you.He will give you strength and courage when you don’t know which way to turn. We will continue to pray for you.



  13. Rickie and Gloria Roberts on June 22, 2020 at 10:04 pm

    Sorry for your loss. Praying for all the family’s comfort during this time.



  14. Stacy Charles Thompson on June 23, 2020 at 6:15 am

    Sorry sorry for your loss Bruce was a wonderful man we loved him and will surely miss him. Love and prayers.



  15. Dennis E Nelson on June 23, 2020 at 8:54 am

    My deepest condolences to the Tillman family. We can all be comforted that Bruce is finding his rightful place in Heaven with his special bond with God. Though sadness abounds right now, wonderful memories remain forever. My family and I were neighbors in Gracemor at a time when things were a little simpler. RIP, Bruce…



  16. Charles Cottitta on June 23, 2020 at 9:06 am

    God bless you Bruce….
    Your walk with the Lord was strong and I know our Lord will welcome you and embrace you in heaven. Prayers of strength for your family thru these difficult days…



  17. James and Connie Campbell on June 23, 2020 at 9:33 am

    Our thoughts are with you as you go through this time of loss. To all our family We love you very much. Prayers To The Tillman Family.



  18. Julie Blacksher on June 23, 2020 at 10:02 am

    He was supportive and encouraging to me. I have many fond memories of Bruce and the whole Tillman family. Much love to you all through this difficult time.



  19. Andy Streeter on June 23, 2020 at 12:12 pm

    So sorry to hear about Bruce. I spent many years with him at Manor/Earth Grains/ Sara Lee and have many fond memories. Prayers to the family, he will not be forgotten. Rest in peace buddy



  20. Lora Lee Follett on June 23, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    So sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. May Our Lord give you His strength and comfort in the coming days, weeks and months. You have so many memories to comfort you and will always be with you in your heart. Hugs for all of you.



  21. Edgar & Sharon Stewart on June 23, 2020 at 11:48 pm

    Sorry for your loss! May God put his loving arms around you all! Prayers for you all!



  22. Barbara Martin on June 24, 2020 at 7:06 am

    So very sorry Rhonda. Keeping you in my prayers ??



  23. Carol Aubrey on June 24, 2020 at 12:55 pm

    My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones. Bruce was an integral part of the “Gracemor Kids” as we all grew up along NE 56th Street and San Rafael Drive and points beyond where we were allowed to wander and explore. Swim team, the pool, kick-the-can games under the street lights — incredibly dear memories with Bruce, lanky and tall with his sidekick, brother Terry, as one of the leaders of our pack. I know he is at rest with love. I know you will miss him terribly and I am so sorry for that.



  24. Deborah Thornton on June 25, 2020 at 10:12 am

    I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. I’m so happy he was saved and is now standing before the Lord. The sorrow is so painful but take joy knowing where he is and he will be awaiting when he is reunited with all of those he loves. May God bless you and bring you peace.



  25. Alana Dennis on June 25, 2020 at 1:51 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss! I remember when the two of you started dating and how you fell in love with him! I know you and your family will miss him terribly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!



  26. Adam Young on July 1, 2020 at 7:34 am

    Saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. I worked with Bruce for 30-years at Manor/Earthgrains/Sara Lee.
    May you rest in peace my old friend!



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