Ray Tolbert

RAY TOLBERT

ROXANA — Ray Tolbert, 81, passed away at 10:55 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017, at Eunice Smith Nursing Home in Alton. He was born on Oct. 2, 1935, in Hamburg, Illinois, the youngest child of twelve to the late Emial and Irene (Kaiser) Tolbert. He married Patricia A. Sevier on July 12, 1958, in Hamburg, and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons and daughters in law: Joey and Lynn Tolbert of Bradenton, Florida, Dustin and Stacy Tolbert of East Alton, four grandchildren: Andrew Tolbert and his wife: Melissa of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Kristin Tolbert of Bradenton, Florida, Nolan Tolbert of East Alton, Layton Tolbert of East Alton, one brother and sister in law: Harry and Patsy Tolbert of Jerseyville, one sister: Myrtle Fredenberg of Shipman, Illinois, a sister in law and brother in law: Sharon and Dorwin Looper, Jr. of Kampsville, a brother in law and sister in law: Sam and Sandy Sevier of Troy, Illinois, and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Ray attended Mt. Hope in the Hamburg School District and he later earned his GED through Roxana Schools. He moved to the Alton area where he worked at Duncan Foundry for twelve years, and then as a laborer for various construction companies until his employment with the Village of Roxana where he worked for the Street Department for thirty – two years retiring as the Street Superintendent. He enjoyed his job as well as his fellow employees he worked with through the years. Ray enjoyed pheasant and quail hunting trip with his family and friends. He enjoyed bowling, softball, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He also enjoyed coaching and watching his kids and grandkids play sports. Ray attended Bethel Free Will Baptist Church in South Roxana. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #254 in Alton, and was a fifty plus year gold member of the local laborer's hall.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step – mother: Minnie Liggett Tolbert, three infant siblings, and three brothers: Lee, Emial Jr., Jesse, three sisters: Ruth, Marguerite, and Martha.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Summit Grove Cemetery in Kampsville.

Memorials are suggested to the Roxana Fire Department or the Roxana Police Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.