Robert Tonnemacher

It is with great sadness that we announced the death of the very best Daddy on the planet! Robert Tonnemacher was not only “daddy” to the two Tonnemacher girls he birthed, Regina (Scotty) and Denise (Chris), but he was “Papa” to his other children as well, Debbie (Norman) , Kendall (Shelia), Connie, and Sharon (Kenny). But truth be told, his favorite title was probably Grandpa! He had 12 grandkids, Corey (Tiffany), Cassidy (Clint), Mandi (who Daddy nicknamed Leonardeee) , Hannah, Kendall Jr. (Leah), Christopher, Clint (Melissa), Josh (Erica), Zack (Caylie), Alex, Adam (Sami), and Jacob (Gabrielle). Daddy had many, many great-grandkids and even had a great-great-grandson but I’m just going to list a few of his favorites. Kinlee, Harper, Canaan, Finn, and JB always had time for Grandpa and they loved going to visit him at his house.
He was born on April 18th, 1936, and he was welcomed into the eternal embrace of Jesus on December 6, 2024. After he was escorted into his heavenly home by the Lord, we believe he was swiftly reunited with our mom, Beverly Tonnemacher. He was also preceded in death by his parents, whom we affectionately referred to as Granny and Gramps, his only son, Kendall Ray, and his fourth oldest grandchild, Josh Hodge.
Daddy joined the Army in 1958 and he was enlisted until 1961. He loved this country and served her well. After he left the Army, he married our mom and became a skilled roofer. Word of his excellent work spread quickly. He made a living solely through word of mouth. He later worked at the Birmingham Airport as an airline mechanic. One of the things that made our Daddy truly special was his unwavering commitment to his family. He came straight home from work every single day and stayed home on his off days! He didn’t have hobbies like fishing or hunting. He was always home with his family, and that is what truly made him happy. Throughout his life, he had 3 of his 5 adult children move back home for one reason or another, and that was always fine with him. “You moving back in with your new bride and your daughter?” “That’s cool!” “You coming back with your two boys?” “Alright. Come on!” “You moving back in with your husband till you find a new apartment?” “Sure!” His family was imported to him, and he was important to all of us.
While we’re on the subject of “family,” let me add this fun fact!
Daddy loved all of us, but he definitely had his favorite. My sister, Regina, was Daddy’s right-hand! She always held a special place in his heart. They were inseparable! She has taken such tender care of him through the years and even during his recent illness only left his side when we insisted she go home and shower and within an hour, she was right back by his bedside up until the moment that he drew his last breath! Besides the fact that she has always been his absolute twin, she was his very best friend, and we are all incredibly grateful for the loving space she provided for him day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year!
The other thing that we all loved about Daddy was his ability to be able to tell a good story or make people laugh. He had a great sense of humor, and everyone who knew him can testify to that. Whether it was the shenanigans he and Leroy Turner got into in their 75-year friendship or him telling us about how he spent $.50 to get the only tattoo he ever got. The way he told stories was always hilarious! He was even making us laugh during this last hospital stay. When he was still in the ER, before he was taken to the ICU, he was begging for some coffee. He knew he couldn’t have anything by mouth, but he really wanted some coffee. When one of the nurses came in, he said, “I sure would love some black coffee!” The nurse was so sweet, but she said, “I’m sorry. You can’t have black coffee!” and without skipping a beat, he said, “Well, you can put cream and sugar in it!” Daddy always had a way of making us laugh.
If given the chance to leave this world with some sort of advice, Daddy would probably say, “Take care of your family first and love them well!”, “God didn’t create our bodies to go 24/7. Take time to rest!”, “Live a good life while you’re young!”, “Never overstay your welcome!”and lastly, “Vote Republican”. Let me tell you, Daddy was thrilled that he got to see good ole Donald Trump get back in office!
We honor the memory of our Daddy by inviting you to join us in a celebration of his life. On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, we will gather at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens in Trussville.
1591 Gadsden Hwy
Birmingham, AL 35235
We will receive guests at 12:00 p.m. The service will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by a short graveside service and will be officiated by his son-in-law, Chris Willis.