Carl J. Tillman

Carl James “C.J.”  Tillman, 49, of Osceola,  passed away February 26, 2024 at Elkhart General Hospital after an extended illness.  Carl was born on December 22, 1974 in South Bend, Indiana.   Carl is survived by his lifetime partner and wife, Meranda “Mandy” (Kirby) Tillman and two sons. He was a loving father to Thomas (Amber) Tillman and Carl Tillman, Jr. and protective “Papa” to granddaughter Jessica.  He is also survived by mother, Rebecca Coskrey and father, Frank Tillman, his brother Stephen Tillman, Jr. and sisters, Virginia (Fernando) Avian and Jill (Tom) Neyhart. Carl was happiest when he was creative; building, designing and painting his expressions of love and appreciation of life on his favorite canvas: anything motorized from his Harley Motorcycles, custom trucks and cars up to the king size motorhomes. As a child, Carl was always drawing and painting on whatever surface available and tore apart every motor he could find.  He found a way to take those talents into his life’s work as a Master Painter in the Motor Vehicle Industry.  Carl was a man of few words, so when he spoke, people listened.  You always found a small smile on his face. He was dedicated to his family, happiest at work or at home in his “man cave” garage with his toys and his family around him.  He lived as the example of family first and a work ethic that made his family proud.  He was an example for his nieces and nephews, always extending his time and home to them. His extended family also includes nieces and nephews Steven (Jessica) Ortiz, Alex (Katie) Tillman, Haille (Tyler) Jones, Mason (Stephanie) Tillman, Faith Tillman, Dylan Avian, and Hans Avian.  A Celebration of Life will be held on March 30, 2024 with visitation with the family from 12:00-2:00 pm at Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 Indiana 331,Bremen, IN. Those wishing to participate in the Last Ride with Carl "CJ" please be at the funeral home by 1:45 PM to begin the ride.   We will end the ride at The Conservation Club,13811 Osborn Rd, Wakarusa, IN where dinner will be provided for family and friends at 3 PM