Larry Don Tolbert

Larry Don Tolbert, 78, of Whitney, Texas passed away peacefully after a sudden, courageous battle with Metastatic Lymphoma (Cancer) on October 29, 2021 in Waco, Texas.

A visitation/viewing at 1 pm, followed by the funeral service at 3 pm will be held at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco, Texas, on November 6, 2021. Larry will be laid to rest at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery on November 8, 2021 at 1 pm.

Larry was born on September 24,1943 in Dallas, TX at Parkland Hospital. Soon after, his family moved to Pasadena where he grew up and attended Pasadena High School. Larry graduated from the University of Houston (U of H) earning a BA in Political Science. An accomplished musician (guitar, banjo, stand up bass) and singer, Larry performed with his traveling Folk Music Group, ‘The Drovers,’ during his college days. One special performance night at a hootenanny, he was introduced to Rebecca Gean Story (Becky) who soon became the love of his life, they married October 15,1965 (recently celebrating their 56th Wedding Anniversary).

While in college, Larry was involved in the U of H ROTC program, and after graduation Larry enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia where he did his basic training and successfully completed Ranger School. Larry’s first commission was to Baumholder, Germany and was later sent to Vietnam when the war began. He proudly served in the Vietnam War until his tour(s) completed, and rose to the rank of Captain by the time his active duty ended. Afterwards, Larry continued the faithful service to his country for many years through the Army Reserves where he was later promoted to the rank of Major.

Larry then began his illustrious insurance career at John Hancock Insurance then transitioned on to what was a stellar career at State Farm Insurance where he was a much accomplished independent agent and underwriter for 34 years. An avid traveler, one could always expect Larryand Becky to be on an adventure somewhere around the world cruising to one of their many favorite places. Some of his family’s fondest memories are with Larry camping in their RV and boating on beautiful Lake Whitney, where he and Becky later retired. Skiing and pulling a tube with his boat along with Becky, his children, and grandchildren (who affectionately called him ‘Pappy’) were truly some of his most favorite activities.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben Jackson Tolbert and Gladys Corrine Duke Tolbert and brother, Robert Thomas Tolbert.

Larry is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gean Story Tolbert; his children, Melissa Tolbert Horton (husband Kevin Horton) and Samantha Tolbert Newsom; grandchildren, Joshua Horton (wife Andrea Kauitzsch Horton), Bethany Horton, Calista Newsom, Sienna Newsom and Keira Newsom; and great-grandchild, Caleb Newsom. He will also be missed by many other family members and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708