Gary Tolbert

1945 - 2024

Gary Tolbert
12/19/1945 - 03/15/2024
Gary Tolbert, born December 19, 1945, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Dr. J.B. and Wynema Tolbert, grew up in Mountain View, Oklahoma, where his parents were the sole medical providers. Excelling in sports, he cherished his farming community upbringing. Gary met his future wife, Paula Johnson, at the University of Oklahoma, marrying on June 1, 1968, the same day as their supposed graduation. Their son, Blake, was born in 1975.
After serving as a first lieutenant in Vietnam until 1971, Gary completed his MBA at the University of Oklahoma in 1973. His banking career spanned 40 years, including 20 at First City National Bank in Houston and 20 at Southwest Bank of Texas, later Amegy Bank. A leader in various organizations, Gary was notably president of the Rotary Club of Houston in 2002.
Gary was a devoted member of Kingwood Methodist Church since 1976, serving in various capacities. His lifelong passion for golf began at age 12, leading to countless tournaments with Blake and memorable golf vacations. In 2019, a lung transplant at Houston Methodist Hospital extended his life, for which his family is deeply thankful.
Above all, Gary was proud of his family, celebrating 55 years of marriage with Paula. He is survived by his beloved wife Paula; son Blake and Blake's wife Monna; grandsons Milo and Jack; sister Cindy Wolfe; and nephew Mike, Mike's wife Meredith, and their children Georgia and James. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Jim Wolfe.
Donations in his memory can be made to the American Lung Association. A celebration of life service will be held at Kingwood Methodist Church on April 5, 2024, at 11 a.m.