Paul L. Tinder

Paul L. Tinder

Mount Pleasant

Paul L. Tinder, 81, of Mt. Pleasant and formerly of Keokuk, died Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Paul Leon Tinder was born November 9, 1944 in Croton, IA. He was the son of Ora Carl William and Violet M. (Bradley) Tinder. The family moved to Keokuk where Paul graduated from Keokuk High School. Following high school, Paul enlisted in the United States Army. He was inducted on August 12, 1965 at Ft. Des Moines, IA and was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves on March 8, 1966 at Ft. Ord, CA. He remained in the reserves until August 11, 1971.

On December 11, 1966 in Hamilton, IL, Paul was united in marriage to Ethel Lorraine Bryant. Mrs. Tinder passed just over a month ago on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at their home in Mt. Pleasant.

Paul graduated from an air conditioning school in Quincy, IL after his marriage. He then accepted a position as a Firefighter with the Keokuk Fire Department. Paul was the first African American to serve on the Keokuk Department. His interest in fire safety led Paul to accept a position as a Deputy State Fire Marshal for the state of Iowa, being the first African American to serve in that capacity. He remained with the State Fire Marshal’s office until retirement. Paul was asked to come out of retirement to work as a Structural Engineer Inspector for the state, from which officially retired.

Paul was a member of the Second Baptist Ministries of Mt. Pleasant. He played bass guitar for Tinder’s Gospel Family Band. Paul was a member and devoted many hours to the Mt. Pleasant Historical Preservation Commission.

Paul had a love and penchant for cooking. This led him to operate two restaurants, Tinder’s Ribs with locations in Wayland and Mt. Pleasant. He enjoyed playing golf, primarily at the Thursday Men’s Golf League at the Deerwood Country Club. When time allowed, Paul was an avid photographer.

Those thankful for sharing in Paul’s life include his children – Sharon (Medgar) Harris of Rock Island, IL, Dempsey Dixon of Mt. Pleasant, Paul Tinder, Jr. of Chaska, MN and William (Esther) Tinder of Belleville, IL; 4 siblings – Sharon Sangster of Keokuk, Larry Tinder of West Point, Tommy (Vickie) Tinder of Keokuk and Robin Holmes of Milwaukee, WI; 5 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

His parents, wife and a great-grandchild precede Paul in death.

Friends may call to sign the register and pay their respects on Friday, December 12 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will receive friends from 11 AM-12 PM on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The funeral service for Paul will be 12 PM on Saturday at the church. The Reverend Tony Campbell, Pastor, Second Baptist Ministries, will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Gardens, Keokuk with military honors conducted by the Iowa Military Funeral Honors Detail.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.