Kennett, Missouri – Don Tomlinson, a Kennett sports legend and one of the best basketball players to emerge from Kennett school history passed away Wednesday at the age of 66. A tribute to Tomlinson will be Friday evening as Kennett will host Cape Central.
A patch with Tomlinson’s initials will be worn on the varsity athlete’s jerseys during the game. There will be an empty chair on the Indian’s bench. Before the beginning of the varsity game, a chair will be placed at mid-court, draped with his #42 jersey along with a coach’s whistle. An insert in the Friday night’s program will highlight his career.He is a member of the Kennett Indian Hall of Fame. He was All State Basketball from 1964-1966, All Conference Basketball 1964-1966, All District Basketball 1964-1966, Basketball All American 1966, and he set the Kennett and SEMO Conference scoring records in 1966.
He attended the University of Missouri and was the team captain in 1970 and All Big-8 Conference. He even led the Mizzou Tigers in scoring in the 1969-1970 basketball season. He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He coached at Hayti and Southland High Schools before returning to Kennett High School.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda, his son Trent and daughter, Tara.
Visitation will be held at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Kennett on Saturday, February 7th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. following visitation at the McDaniel Chapel.
Burial will be in Memorial Gardens in Kennett. Online condolences may be made at www.mcdanielfuneralservice.com.
