Thomas (Tommy) D. Toliver Sr.

Thomas (Tommy) Darrell Toliver Sr. 87, of Sapulpa, OK, passed away peacefully at home on February 14, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife and family. He was born December 26, 1936, to Thomas Henry and Walcie Ann (Yocham) Toliver. He was one of six children. Tommy graduated from Sapulpa High School and lived in the Sapulpa area most of his life, except for the 12 years he pastored in Sand Springs. On December 21, 1956, he married the love of his life, Ethel Martin who lovingly and faithfully cared for him the last few months of his life.

Tommy leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Ethel Toliver; their children: Donna Roberts and husband Harold; Darrell Toliver and wife April; Denisa Whitehouse and husband Don; David Toliver and wife LaJeanna; Dustin Toliver and wife Lacy; 14 Grandchildren; 33 Great Grandchildren; 1 Great-Great Grandchild; a brother R.W. "Dickie" Toliver; a sister Marilyn Gilbert; many nieces and nephews as well as a host of family and friends.

When several grandkids and great grandkids were rapidly being added to the family, Dad would often say, "They're catchin' 'em faster than I can string 'em!" Oh my! How the family did grow! There are 75 of us!

Tommy was preceded to Heaven by his parents, son Charles, granddaughter Rebecca, brother James, and sisters Carolyn Crawford and Bernadine Toliver.

Tommy was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather. He loved the Lord, his family, and friends whole-heartedly. His life revolved around attending church, camp meetings, revivals, and various church activities.

At the age of 18 he preached his first sermon, which only lasted 4-5 minutes, on a Sunday afternoon at Sapulpa Holiness Church Fellowship Day. He always wanted a church in the community where he grew up. With the inception of Bethany Holiness in 1973, he saw his desire fulfilled. He became the first pastor in July of 1973. In 1981 he founded Bethany Christian Academy fulfilling yet another dream. He resigned in May of 2004, after 31 years of pastoring. He and his wife then began evangelizing all across the United States. His idea of "re-tiring" was to put four new tires on his van. He also made several missionary trips and ministered faithfully in the county jail and state prisons. His passing will leave a large void in the hearts of his family and countless others whose life he had a great impact on. We would like to give special thanks to Jennifer and Lashana and Season's Hospice for their outstanding care of Dad in his final days of life, also for assisting our Mother.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Bethany Holiness Church, 15508 W. 61st St. So., Sand Springs, OK. Services will be 2:00pm, Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Bristow Holiness Campgrounds, 33972 W. 211th St. So., Bristow, OK. Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S. Main, Kellyville, OK, 918-247-7373.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The following are direct quotes from his journals:

At the age of 14 while going after the cows, God's presence overshadowed me. As I was going through an old gate, He spoke to me and said, "Someday you will preach the Gospel." At the age of 16, I was saved at Kellyville Holiness Church during a revival meeting. As my experience with the Lord grew, I felt the call of God. One morning about daybreak, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I was awakened, thinking it was my father's hand. I awoke and heard a voice say, "I want you to preach my Gospel." I was so startled, I jumped out of bed, and looked out the window to be sure I was awake.

I have experienced hearing angels sing twice. One time I saw an angel standing by my side. Many times, I have sensed angels that I could not see.