Joe Tolbert

Francis Joseph “Joe” Tolbert, 94 year old longtime Seminole, Oklahoma resident, passed from this life on December 8, 2016 at his home in Seminole.  He was born June 20, 1922 in Wellington, Kansas to parents Fred Lee Tolbert and Verna (Bullard) Tolbert. Following High School Graduation, Mr. Tolbert joined the Army of the United States of America where he earned the rank of Corporal during WWII serving as a paratrooper. On February 7, 1948 Joe married Shirley Ann (Taber) Tolbert in Arkansas.  Sadly she preceded Joe in death on August 8, 2000. Joe owned and operated “United Truck Service” in Seminole for over 50 years. When he wasn’t working, Joe enjoyed traveling in his motor home, taking his grandchildren to fishing tournaments at Sportsman Lake, and he also enjoyed spending time at his cabin on the Kiamichi River. Survivors include one son, David and his wife Carol Cathey of Bowlegs, Oklahoma; two sisters, Pat and her husband, J.R. Hale of Seminole, Oklahoma, Freda and her husband Chuck Hamilton of Portland, Oregon; 10 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great grandchildren; and a host of other family and dear friends. The family wishes to express a special thank you to Faith Hospice for their loving care and special attention, and also to Andy Johnson, who had been a friend and employee of Joe’s for over 27 years and would often make the effort  to visit Joe. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Verna (Bullard) Tolbert and Fred Tolbert, by his wife of 52 years, Shirley Ann (Taber) Tolbert, one son, Gene Cathey, two brothers, Lee Tolbert and Jimmy Tolbert, and one sister, Rachel Krummrich. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 12, 2016 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, Oklahoma.  Chaplain Tommy Azlin and Rev. Carl Whitfield will officiate the service.  Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma with Military Honors. Casket Bearers will be: Kevin Jones, Jerrod Andrews, Zack Howe, Bobby Bush, Jimmy Tolbert, and Wilbur Johnson. Honorary Bearers will be: Andy Johnson, Jayce Sanderson, David Krummrich, J.R. Hale, Chuck Hamilton, and Scott Cathey. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma. Funeral Information: December 12, 2016, 10:30 AM Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips Ave., Seminole, OK 74868