Paul S. Tolbert, 80, passed away peacefully February 10, 2016 at the Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale Florida. He was unable to recover from a stroke that resulted from open heart surgery a few weeks prior to his death. A native Hoosier, Paul was born to Gwin and Mary Tolbert on February 22, 1935 and grew up in rural Indiana near the town of Fairmount. He graduated from Fairmount High School a few years behind the celebrated James Dean. As a youth, Paul loved hunting, fishing and tinkering with cars.
Paul served in the United States Navy aboard multiple ships and enjoyed visiting ports around the world. After completing his military service, Paul returned to Indiana where he raised his family with his wife Patty (Stepler), who survives. They were married in 1955 and enjoyed a long and happy marriage of 60 years. They had four children, all of whom survive. Paul was a good provider, and retired from the same wire and cable factory at which he worked for 42 years. During retirement, he and Patty traveled the country and watched their family grow with nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Paul and Patty spent nearly 20 years as snow birds, whiling away the winter days on a lake near Haines City Florida. When not fishing, Paul could be found playing pool, cards or watching his beloved westerns on his extensive VHS collection.
Survivors include wife Patty; four children; Joe and his wife Paula; Steve and his wife Kathy; Linda and her husband Randy; and Donna and her husband Kevin; a sister, Alberta; and a brother Bobby. Paul was preceeded in death by his sisters Mary Lou and Betty and by his brother John. Paul also leaves behind nine grandchildren; Jozanna, Rachel, Melissa, Jeremy, Brandon, Sylvia, Maria, Kelsey, and Eric; and six great grandchildren; Truett, Henry, Morris, Clara, Jaiya, and Jericho.
Paul will be cremated in Florida and the family will hold a small memorial later in the year in Amboy Indiana. Paul’s memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home, Amboy, IN