Roy Willard Tolbert

Roy Willard Tolbert, age 84, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away April 11, 2025. Roy was born October 29, 1940, in Springfield, Missouri to Roy Willard Tolbert (senior) and Bonnie Frances (Rutherford) Tolbert. He graduated from Parkview high School in Springfield where he was a member of the school's first graduating class.
He was united in marriage to Eva Lynda Brigance on August 5, 1961. They were married for 61 years prior to Lynda's death in 2022. Roy had been in the Army and Army Reserves, a Fire Fighter, and an Electrician for Electrical Equipment Company before retiring.
He spent many a summer in the 70's and 80's on Table Rock Lake at his and Lynda's place at Brigance's Showme Shores, where he would attempt to relax. His relaxing normally included helping one of his friends build a deck or a boat dock followed by a game of horseshoes, volleyball, fishing all night, or a nap ("just resting his eyes") in his recliner. The 90's, until Lynda's passing, were spent traveling the country in his and Lynda's motorhome with many friends and family members. Roy and Lynda loved motorhome "camping" and seeing the sights all around the United States.
Patience was not a virtue that Roy possessed. But dependability he held in spades. If you needed anything at any time Roy was your man. He'd show up within minutes with a game plan and the tools required to complete the job. His only request in return would be to just stay out of his way. He was zero to 100 all the time. He was helpful to family and friends alike but especially to his girls and his grandchildren. Roy never refused an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren. Whether it be babysitting, picking up from school, going to practices, spectating at games or performances, he never missed a chance to watch them with admiration and love. His grandchildren remained under his loving supervision throughout their lives. Even if it meant a call on their cellphone while driving too fast that he just "happened" to notice on Life360.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lynda and both of his parents.
He is survived by his daughters Angela Rochelle Cunningham (James), Cynthia Tolbert Lipscomb (Justin), grandchildren James Roy Cunningham, Carlie Anne Elizabeth Cunningham, and Kathryn Elizabeth Lipscomb, his sisters Renee Knipmeyer (Dean), Charlotte Daubin (Steve), Barbara Glidewell and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Saint Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield.