John D. Tolbert, 95, formerly of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on February 22, 2018 in Tyler, Texas. He was born February 19, 1923 to the late Anderson T. and Mattie (Beasley) Tolbert on the family farm in Smith County, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Bea Tolbert and a daughter, Anne Tolbert. John attended Dunbar Segregated Elementary School until the economic impact of the great depression forced him to work full time to help the family. John was the youngest of thirteen siblings in addition to others who his parents raised as their own. John entered the United States Army during World War II and was honorably discharged upon completion of his service. John married shortly thereafter, and they relocated to Kansas City, Missouri to join other family and also start a family of their own. John was a part of the Greatest Generation that built the infrastructure that set America on a path to swift economic expansion despite struggles with social stagnation. John worked a variety of construction jobs, operated his own janitorial business and eventually retired from Cook Paint Company in 1986. He earned a reputation based on pride in accomplishment and enjoying all that life had to offer. John always maintained his connection with family and friends in Texas. Upon returning to Texas in 2005, despite many years of retirement, John continued to contribute to his community in many ways. In October 2014, he was chosen to participate in the WWII Heroes Flight to visit Washington D.C. with other WWII veterans. John traveled to Austin with Debra Christian of VA North Texas Healthcare System to speak with legislators in support of funding for buses to transport veterans to VA hospitals. He also participated in the Soaring Valor Flight to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans in October 2016, as part of a program sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation and Brookshire's. John leaves to cherish his memory: two daughters, Lillie Mae Moore and Monica Moiselle Cannon; nine grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, fifteen great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 1, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Graveside services Friday, March 2, 1:30 p.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.