705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

Author: chastain
10

Byron Lee “Barney” TolbertPassing: April 7, 2018

Service:

Chastain Funeral Home

Funeral Service

Wednesday, April 11th @ 11:00 am

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Tuesday, April 10th @ 3:00-7:00 pm

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Wednesday, April 11th

MITCHELL – Byron Lee “Barney” Tolbert, 97, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Johnson Christian Village in Bedford.

Born February 21, 1921, at home in Orange County, he was the son of Edward L. and Stella N. (Pruett) Tolbert.  He married Lou Alma Reynolds June 11, 1942, and she preceded him in death October 17, 2001.

Byron worked with the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) for a year fighting fires, planting trees, working with natural resources and driving an ambulance to pick up wounded soldiers at Union Station in Indianapolis and take them to/from Fort Harrison.  He joined the Army in August 1942, during World War II where he spent time in Missouri, Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Guinea, and the Philippines as part of the Allied Forces fight against Japan.  Byron was awarded a Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart Medal.  He was honorably discharged in February 1946.   He was unable to work for approximately one year due to his injuries.  After that he worked for various companies including Crawford Morris in Mitchell, Hancock Construction in Mitchell, and retired from Rogers Group in Bedford where he worked 23 years.   He was a graduate of Campbellsburg High School, Class of 1938, and a member of Saltillo Christian Church.

He loved spending time with his family, being outside, and staying active by taking care of the yard (until he was 94.)  Barney was known for his great sense of humor.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Surviving: 
daughter,
Linda L. (Rick) Chapman of Mitchell’
son,
Tom E. (Carol) Tolbert of Morgantown
grandchildren,
Jennifer (Kurt) Thomas
Jennifer (Shawn) Kellams
Joni (Steve) Bodkins
Shane (Karrie) Tolbert
Carrie (Paul) Ritchison
Miranda (Paul) Gillespie
Mitch (fiancee´ Liz Neel) Tolbert
Morgan (Brian) Duncan
16 great grandchildren
sister,
Mildred Jackson of Saltillo              

His parents; wife, son, Terry L. Tolbert; daughter, Nancy Crawford; and siblings, Wayne Tolbert, Scott Tolbert, Willis Tolbert, and Imogene Hall, preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Reverend Dwight Dunbar officiating.  Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.

Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. until the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Sign the Guestbook

10 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: jim cress | salem, in
    Date: April 17, 2018
    So sorry for your loss. I lost my dad about 5 years ago and my mom in 2003. They will forever live in my heart. What an amazing life Mr. Tolbert lived. As part of the "greatest generation" I am sure he had rough times in New Guinea and the Philippines. To be awarded the Bronze Star is something I am sure he was proud of as well as his family. My dad was a WW2 veteran as well and served in the navy. He was on a battleship when Pearl Harbor was attacked. He was then assigned to a light cruiser that was sunk near Guadalcanal. We all owe these men and women WW2 veterans a great deal of gratitude for handing us this great country that we have today.
  2. Guest: Phyllis Mundy | Mitchell, In 47446
    Date: April 13, 2018
    So sorry for your loss. Barney was a super guy. Phyllis and Nobe
  3. Guest: Jim and Sharon Nash | Mitchell, IN 47446
    Date: April 11, 2018
    Linda and Family: We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. Please accept our sympathy and we will keep your family in our prayers. Jim and Sharon Nash
  4. Guest: Suzie Batchelor Leatherman | Mitchell, IN
    Date: April 9, 2018
    Linda & family, So very sorry for your loss. I remember your mom and dad as very kind and caring people. We used to see and talk with them when we would visit with Julie and Winfred Crawford. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
  5. Guest: Gay Shingleton | GREENWOOD
    Date: April 9, 2018
    My condolences on the loss of your dad, Tom. You're in my thoughts and prayers....so tough to lose a parent, yet God's peace and comfort is ever-present in our time of need. Prayers for you and your family.
  6. Guest: Sam Hess | Carmel, IN
    Date: April 9, 2018
    Our heartfelt condolences to the Tolbert family. May God give you peace at this time. Sam & Pam Hess
  7. Guest: Mike and Susan Backherms | Mitchell, IN
    Date: April 9, 2018
    Linda and Family Thoughts and prayers for you and the family.
  8. Guest: Connie and Larry Smith | Mitchell, IN
    Date: April 8, 2018
    Linda and Family, so sorry for your loss.
  9. Guest: Erica, Anthony, & Maxwell Lewis | Bloomington, Indiana
    Date: April 8, 2018
    Carrie & Family, We love you guys and are praying you through these difficult times. The many times I've (Erica) been around your grampy, he was incredibly funny and seemed to be a fantastic person. He certainly went through a lot in his 97 years. All of those who got to know him, are truly lucky. We pray that you are comforted as you grieve and are able to find laughter and memories in the days ahead.
  10. Guest: Ray and Sandy Hillman | Greenwood, IN
    Date: April 8, 2018
    Tom and Carol - Although we did not know your dad, he made some many major contributions to the world, and we know how proud of him you are, as surely he was of you two. I know you gave him such strong support through his latter days, and he was lucky to have that love and support. May he Rest In Peace and my the Lord give you comfort in knowing his earthly struggles are over and he rests in the perfect place in Heaven. Love you guys!

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center