Larry Don Tolbert
Posted By Lake Shore Funeral Home On November 2, 2021 @ 8:10 am In Obituaries | 6 Comments
Larry Don Tolbert, 78, of Whitney, Texas passed away peacefully after a sudden, courageous battle with Metastatic Lymphoma (Cancer) on October 29, 2021 in Waco, Texas.
A visitation/viewing at 1 pm, followed by the funeral service at 3 pm will be held at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco, Texas, on November 6, 2021. Larry will be laid to rest at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery on November 8, 2021 at 1 pm.
Larry was born on September 24,1943 in Dallas, TX at Parkland Hospital. Soon after, his family moved to Pasadena where he grew up and attended Pasadena High School. Larry graduated from the University of Houston (U of H) earning a BA in Political Science. An accomplished musician (guitar, banjo, stand up bass) and singer, Larry performed with his traveling Folk Music Group, ‘The Drovers,’ during his college days. One special performance night at a hootenanny, he was introduced to Rebecca Gean Story (Becky) who soon became the love of his life, they married October 15,1965 (recently celebrating their 56th Wedding Anniversary).
While in college, Larry was involved in the U of H ROTC program, and after graduation Larry enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia where he did his basic training and successfully completed Ranger School. Larry’s first commission was to Baumholder, Germany and was later sent to Vietnam when the war began. He proudly served in the Vietnam War until his tour(s) completed, and rose to the rank of Captain by the time his active duty ended. Afterwards, Larry continued the faithful service to his country for many years through the Army Reserves where he was later promoted to the rank of Major.
Larry then began his illustrious insurance career at John Hancock Insurance then transitioned on to what was a stellar career at State Farm Insurance where he was a much accomplished independent agent and underwriter for 34 years. An avid traveler, one could always expect Larryand Becky to be on an adventure somewhere around the world cruising to one of their many favorite places. Some of his family’s fondest memories are with Larry camping in their RV and boating on beautiful Lake Whitney, where he and Becky later retired. Skiing and pulling a tube with his boat along with Becky, his children, and grandchildren (who affectionately called him ‘Pappy’) were truly some of his most favorite activities.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben Jackson Tolbert and Gladys Corrine Duke Tolbert and brother, Robert Thomas Tolbert.
Larry is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gean Story Tolbert; his children, Melissa Tolbert Horton (husband Kevin Horton) and Samantha Tolbert Newsom; grandchildren, Joshua Horton (wife Andrea Kauitzsch Horton), Bethany Horton, Calista Newsom, Sienna Newsom and Keira Newsom; and great-grandchild, Caleb Newsom. He will also be missed by many other family members and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
Condolences for the family of “Larry Don Tolbert”
Becky I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Larry. My thoughts, love & prayers are with you and your family. Would love to hear from you sometime. Love you! Becky West
Becky I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Larry. My thoughts, love & prayers are with you and your family. Would love to hear from you sometime. Love you! Becky West.
Becky, Bill & I are so sorry for your loss of Larry. Our prayers are with you & your beautiful family. Would love to visit with you sometime. I have so many fond memories of you from youth. Luv you Karen Bagwell Plunkett .
To Becky and the girls, we are so sad to hear of Larry’s passing. I just read about it today, November 9th. The slide show that was posted of his life with you and the family is just beautiful. We had some beautiful times together – first with Becky and I and other Golden Acres friends in high school and then finding each other in church in Houston — getting to experience a lot of great times together. I regret we didn’t see much of each other after retirement, but I remember the day you visited with us here in Rusk. We love ya’ll and will be praying for you as you get through this period in your life. Love you, Betty and Ed
Becky Tolbert…Ronnie Jones here.. Larry and I went to Pasadena High School together..graduated in same class!…we sang in choir together under Mr. Jim Casey…choir director!….we were both tenors….I just learned of Larry’s death and my heart sank!!.LARRY WAS A GREAT GUY..SO LOVED BY HIS CLASSMATES!!. My heart goes out to you and your family!!..Larry will be greatly missed by so many!…GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!.. Ronnie Jones…636…485..9171
Article printed from Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services | Waco Texas: https://www.lakeshorefuneralhome.com
URL to article: https://www.lakeshorefuneralhome.com/35698-2/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2015 Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services | Waco Texas. All rights reserved.
Dear Tolbert family, The Baylor Scott and White Hospice family would like to give you our deepest condolences with our thoughts and prayers! We still care and we are still here for you! God bless you and thank you for the honor and privilege of serving you during this precious time!