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Thomas Tolbert Obituary
Thomas Joseph Tolbert
After an extended illness, Thomas Joseph Tolbert passed away on Nov 15, 2013, in the William J. Riley Hospice in Munster, IN, with his brother at his side. Son of Mary Anne Busselle-Tolbert and Ronald H. Tolbert Sr., Tom was born on Aug 25, 1956 in Indianapolis, IN, the fifth of nine children. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel and after the family moved back into the city, St. Joan of Arc, where he served as a youth leader and youth coordinator. At St. Joan of Arc he started a community garden, was a substitute teacher, and drove the school bus. Throughout life, he inspired many children and was a positive influence on their development. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University (1984). As a young child he loved to play priest, and as an adult he lived to serve his fellow man. He loved common people, animals, and sports. After moving to Illinois, he worked at the Chicago Downtown Marriott Hotel for 14 years as night manager until his illness took over. We remember him as a penultimate, stubborn, tenacious fighter and go-getter who made an impact, despite being "stuck in the middle" between 4 brothers and 4 sisters. In addition to his siblings and his uncle James, Tom leaves behind Carol Segar, mother of his son Sean Alexander (Brandi), and grandchildren Haileigh, Makenzie, and Gabrielle. Also, his stepson Andre Jackson, and Jackie Bacon, his life long friend. Tom never gave up, even after his cancer diagnosis. In his own words: "I've gained a real appreciation for embracing the past and the people that have been a part of it … so I hope you will find the time to join me … to celebrate life and the bonds that I've formed with so many of you over the years…"
The impact of his loss is immense to us all: Karen A. Tolbert-Land (Martin) - Alton, IL. Brian E. Tolbert (Cheryl) - Houston, TX. Ronald H. Tolbert Jr. - Manchester, TN. William L. Tolbert (Susan) - Indianapolis (William, Sarah, Christian, Daniel). Linda M. Tolbert-Sawrey - Indianapolis, IN (Jennifer). Robert S. Tolbert - Frankfort, IL (Megan, Corey, Paul). Mary E. Tolbert-Smith (Andrew) - Fountain Town, IN (Olivia). Kathleen S. Tolbert - Indianapolis, IN. James A. Busselle - Indianapolis, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Indianapolis, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Saint Joan of Arc Church, Indianapolis. Correspondence: Robert S. Tolbert, P.O. Box 116, Frankfort, IL 60423
Funeral Mass will be on Dec. 7th, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joan of Arc, 4217 North Central Ave, Indianapolis, IN.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Tolbert
Helen Morton
November 20, 2024
Thomas was a great friend and coworker.
John Yeadon
November 18, 2024
It´s been quite a few years since you left this world but your memory is always there. Your name comes up as well as we can see the impact you had on our daily lives. We just talked about the basketball seasons we had at SJA !
Helen Morton
November 18, 2022
He will always be in my heart. A great friend and co-worker. Helen Morton
David Benes
November 30, 2013
My Condolences to Bob Tolbert and family
SJA
John Yeadon
November 25, 2013
days of SJA!
John Yeadon
November 25, 2013
Coach of many sports
John Yeadon
November 25, 2013
True Friends for life
John Yeadon
November 25, 2013
the start of a lifelong friendship!
John Yeadon
November 25, 2013
Timothy Smith
November 25, 2013
And I said "fly on my sweet angel,
Fly on through the sky,
Fly on my sweet angel,
Forever I will be by your side"
Jimi Hendrix
Jennifer
November 25, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family & friends.
Tim Campbell
November 25, 2013
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Trudy Belinski
November 25, 2013
Glad you made it to the French Market this year to see lots of old friends. Will miss you. Rest in peace!
Brittany Griner
November 25, 2013
Very sorry for your loss. Condolences to the Tolbert Family in this difficult time.
November 25, 2013
Condolence to the Tolbert Family
Having to say good-bye to someone you love is never easy. For right now and all the days ahead wishing you strength and peace.
Penny McQuaig
Will Tolbert
November 25, 2013
Very moving to read the tributes to Uncle Tom. Such a great legacy to have touched so many lives.
Celeste McCullough
November 25, 2013
Will be dearly missed and always in my thoughts.
Deborah McCullough
November 25, 2013
Tom was a good friend, great father and grandfather. He will truly be missed by all. Rest in peace.
John Downey
November 25, 2013
Very sorry for your loss. Tom will be in our prayers at our house. My condolences to the Tolbert family.
November 25, 2013
Tom touched many lives and hearts. Always an adventure with him there. :). Unique, very caring, hard working individual. Always thought of others, and animals of course. Such a sweet sweet man. All who knew him can only agree. Peace and comfort for him now.. He is sorely missed and loved, but resting peacefully with his savior, Jesus.
Skip Fouts
November 24, 2013
I didn't know Thomas that well But I did hear a lot about him and from what I know he was a great guy -- sorry for every ones loss -- All the Tolberts are Great people!
chaundra Mackey (McCullough)
November 24, 2013
I will miss you uncle Tom!! Love you
November 24, 2013
THOMAS J TOLBERT,HOW TO SUM HIM UP THE LOVE OF MY LIFE WHO THEN BECAME MY BEST FRIEND ALSO,WHO WILL I POUR MY HEART OUT TO NOW,HE WAS A GREAT FATHER AND INSPIRATION TO BOTH MY SON'S AND MY HEART HURTS BUT KNOWS HE IS AT PEACE AND IN A BETTER PLACE.UNTIL I SEE YOU AGAIN, CAROL ALEXNDER-SEGAR.
November 24, 2013
tom was one faithful man to all the kids at St. Joan of Arc.He touched a lot of lives. thanks Tom.
FLIN YOUNG
November 24, 2013
rest well my dear friend. I will never forget you. you will always be in my heart.
Flin Young
November 24, 2013
Thomas you know the relationship we had. I love you man. I will never forget you. Sleep with the angels dear Thomas.
November 24, 2013
Rest in peace dear friend - you will be missed.
Penny G. Hambilomatis (fellow associate from the Chicago Marriott downtown days)
Pamela McCarrel
November 24, 2013
Such a nice man. My heart breaks for the Tolbert family.
November 24, 2013
Thomas was my little brother, the middle of five brothers and four sisters.
I've been crying since I heard the news. He was a Wonderful and sweet Brother...He loved Animals and Music and was fantastic with People.
Eldest Sister,
Karen
Matthew Martin
November 24, 2013
Im very sorry for ur loss sean . My thoughts and prayers are with u and ur family
David Harper
November 24, 2013
A very great guy with a good heart
Sean Alexander
November 24, 2013
My dad was the greatest man I've ever known and has inspired and cared for everyone he has ever came in contact with. There has never been another person I've met more honest and thoughtful as he was. Thank you for making me the man i am today, i only hope i can teach my children as you have taught me, and someday be as great as i always knew you were. He will always be with me because i am him...
Doris R Groves
November 24, 2013
Thomas i will always think about how you make me smile but just sleep on because we love you bu god loves you more sleep on my bro until we meet again love you.
Helen Morton
November 24, 2013
Thomas was a good friend and co-worker. Working with at the
Marriott Hotel in Chicago was a true joy.
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