&bsp;A native of Tampa, Fla., he was a son of the late Marcus Howard and&bsp; Maude Berkman Tompkins and was predeceased by brothers Harold and Philip Tompkins and sister Elizabeth T. Tagliarini.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee and Teachers&39; College, Columbia University,

N.Y.C., he was a director of educational research. He was a resident of New&bsp; York City (1946-77), Hendersonville (1977-91) and Tryon for the past 17 years. He was affiliated with Tryon Congregational Church, Mill Creek Church of the Brethren and&bsp; was a veteran of WWII serving in the U. S. Air Force.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Bernice Elizabeth Horne Tompkins, sons James Lane of Waxhaw, Evan Marcus Tompkins of Hendersonville and Rollin Putnam Tompkins of Asheville, daughter Mary Ann Mummey of Lakeland, Fla., and nine grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

A service of remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2008 at the Tryon Congregational Church. Reverends Bob Barrows and Calvin Parker will officiate.

Burial will be at Mill Creek Church of Brethren Cemetery.

The family will receive friends after services in the fellowship hall and request donations to Crossnore School, P.O. Box 249, Crossnore, N.C. 28616.

The family would like to thank Hospice and the staff of St. Luke&39;s Hospital for their excellent care.

Asheville Mortuary Services is caring for the Tompkins&bsp; family.

‐ paid obituary