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Author: chastain
27

Gerald W. TolliverPassing: December 29, 2011

Service:

Mitchell Church of Christ

Tuesday,Jan.3,2012, 11:00 am

Visitation:

Mitchell Church of Christ

Monday,Jan.2,2012, 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Tuesday,Jan.3,2012, 09:30 am - 11:00 am

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Tuesday,Jan.3,2012

MITCHELL Gerald W. Tolliver, 62, passed away at 10:46 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011, at his residence.

Born March 8, 1949 in Bedford, he was the son of Donald M. and Carol Rae (Tharp) Tolliver. He married Patty Jean (Mann) Thoms November 19, 2010.

Gerald graduated from Mitchell High School in 1967 and Indiana State University. He was a teacher at Mitchell High School retiring in 2010, after 40 years of service. During his tenure he sponsored SADD and also taught drivers education. He was recently elected to Mitchell City Council and had served two terms as Persimmon Festival Chairman. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge No. 228 F&AM.

Surviving: wife,
Patty Tolliver, Mitchell
sons,
Jason (Stefanie)Tolliver, Indianapolis
Kevin (Abbie) Tolliver, Brownsburg
Adam (Christy) Tolliver, Charlestown
stepchildren,
Michelle Bowers, Campbellsburg
Alex Thoms, Mitchell
Adam Thoms, Orleans
Daniel Thoms, Bloomington
Rebecca Russell, Seymour
David Thoms, Orleans
John Thoms, Oklahoma
Evan Thoms, Orleans
Solomon Thoms, Mitchell
Logan Thoms, Orleans
brother,
Mark W. (Beth) Tolliver, Mitchell
grandchildren,
McKinley, Lucy, Katie, and Isabella
6 step grandchildren

His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, at Mitchell Church of Christ with Bro. Allen Burris and Rev. Kevin Giggy officiating. Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday at the church.

Memorial Gifts: Mitchell Community Schools Scholarship Foundation

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27 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Debbie Smith | SanDiego, CA
    Date: March 16, 2013
    I just learned of Mr. Tolliver's death and was so saddened to hear the news. He was a great teacher, one who I still remember to this day. His passion for learning, teaching and serving his community was evident. Though I did not know him as the years passed I do remember the passion he had for teaching...he did it well. My best to his family. Debbie
  2. Guest: Bill Farkas | Norcross, GA
    Date: February 2, 2012
    Just heard about Gerald's death. There are no words. I'm looking forward to a reunion at some point down the line.
  3. Guest: Kathy & Paul Stroud | Mitchell, IN
    Date: January 10, 2012
    Such a loss to so many..our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families..God Bless...
  4. Guest: Peggy Box | Bedford, IN
    Date: January 9, 2012
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He is in a great place now and will watch over you all. If you ever need anything I will be there for you like you all where for me when we lost Johnny. Love you all.
  5. Guest: Darlene Johnson Irwin | mitchell, IN
    Date: January 4, 2012
    Mr. Tolliver took it upon himself to teach my daughter how to drive,after a mishap with a guardrail her first day of driving.She was scared after that and he took her on his own and taught her there was nothing to be afraid of.I have never forgotten that,he was truly a wonderful man,he will be missed.
  6. Guest: Angie (Ball) Sneed | Texarkana, TX
    Date: January 3, 2012
    Thank you for your contribution to the school and community. Hopefully someone will continue with your stories of Mitchell's history.
  7. Guest: Dustin Roller | North Vernon, IN
    Date: January 3, 2012
    The reason I teach today is because of Gerald Tolliver, I never met a man who could inspire so many through his wit, charm, and knowledge. I will forever be indebted to him for challenging me to always push to be the best I could be.
  8. Guest: Mary Mooneyham | Bedford, IN
    Date: January 3, 2012
    Patty, my thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Let's keep in touch.
  9. Guest: Delbert Wray | Salem, IN
    Date: January 2, 2012
    My first memories of Mr Tolliver go back to when he would officiate little league basketball when I was a kid.Always was a class act, and just an all around super nice guy. Mitchell is very fortunate to have had him as a teacher for so many years. RIP my friend.
  10. Guest: Stephanie Sons | Mitchell, IN
    Date: January 2, 2012
    Mr. Tolliver was so much more than a teacher. I am so grateful for being able to take his class. Before being in his class, I was so shy and backwards. He brought me out of my shell and gave me confidence about myself. He really touched my life. He impacted my life in a huge way, when we had a field trip to Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center. Mr. T brought out a passion in me for criminology that I had no clue existed, which is the career path I followed. Mr. T you will always be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who loved Mr.T, the sun will shine a little less now.
  11. Guest: Wendy Piwonka | Concord, NC
    Date: January 2, 2012
    Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss. Mr Tolliver was a teacher that you never forget.
  12. Guest: Joni Tow | Bedford, IN
    Date: January 2, 2012
    I was very sadden to learn of the passing of Mr. Tolliver..He was a great man taught me a lot of what I know now even know I didnt know him for very long..He will be missed by all who got the chance to cross his path...May God give you (his family) the strength to carry on each day with the knowledge that you will see Mr. Tolliver again one day..I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.. A FORMER STUDENT OF MR. TOLLIVER'S CLASS OF 1998
  13. Guest: Michelle jones | Mitchell, IN
    Date: January 2, 2012
    My high school years I would definitely say you were my absolute favorite memory ..you were a blessing too so many of us ..your teachings...Witt ..friendship ..and kindness will forever stay with so many of us ..praying that your family is OK during this time....with all the heartache of losing such a wonderful man...I thank god for someone like you here on earth and now on your new journey to heaven too watch over all of us....thanks for all the wonderful memories Mr.TOLLIVER ..love you
  14. Guest: Shelly (King) Knear | Corydon, IN
    Date: January 2, 2012
    My deepest sympathies to the entire Tolliver family. Mr. Tolliver was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend. I like to think my high school years were that much better because of him. It is a privilege to have known such a great man. "We didn't start the fire"
  15. Guest: Kathy (Green) Baker | League City, TX
    Date: January 1, 2012
    Prayers of peace and comfort to the Tolliver family.
  16. Guest: Tony/Debby Dobson | Lebanon, TN
    Date: January 1, 2012
    Mr T. We will miss you.Thank you for being a part of our life. You were a great teacher and We will always have you family in our thoughts and Prayers..May you Rest in Peace...
  17. Guest: Tony/Debby Dobson | Lebanon, TN
    Date: January 1, 2012
    His Journey Dont think of him as gone away His Journey's just begun. Life holds so many facets, This earth is only one. Just think of him as resting From the sorrow and the tears, In a place of warmth and comfort, Where there are no days and years. Think how he must be wishing That we could know today, How nothing but our sadness Can really pass away. And think of him as living In the hearts of those he touched, For nothing loved is ever lost, And he was loved so much. By his family who will miss him the most.
  18. Guest: Connie L Hodges Boren | Bloomington, IN
    Date: January 1, 2012
    Thank you for being a teacher.
  19. Guest: Bobbi Hunter | Mitchell, IN
    Date: December 31, 2011
    Thoughts and prayers are with the Tolliver family. Mr. Tolliver was not only a wonderful educator but a wonderful friend and role model to all of his students. The city of Mitchell has lost a great man. I am sure that I can speak for most of the Mitchell High School Alumni that we were blessed to have been able to spend 4 years of our lives with such a wonderful man. He touched more lives than he will ever know. He will be missed by many.
  20. Guest: Robert & Linda Sherwood | Bloomington, IN
    Date: December 31, 2011
    Linda and I were very sorry to hear about Gerald's passing. While we had not visited recently, he will always be remembered as a wonderful classmate at Mitchell H.S. We are sure he will be missed by so many in the Mitchell community. Robert & Linda Sherwood
  21. Guest: Angeline Irwin Petreonie | Indianapolis, IN
    Date: December 31, 2011
    To the Tolliver Family: I lived next door to Gerald and his family on Main Street. We played together and grew up together. Many fond memories of all of them,Don, Carol, Gerald, and Mark..We will keep you in our thoughts. Angeline Irwin Petronie
  22. Guest: Allan Hackney | Mitchell, IN
    Date: December 31, 2011
    I am still in shock that I have lost one of my best friends in the world. Gerald I know you are in a better place and those you left behind will never forget you. My thoughts and prayers are with Patty and the families and friends of a great man.
  23. Guest: Elissa Lindsey | Fishers, IN
    Date: December 31, 2011
    I was shocked and so sorry to hear the news about Gerald. He was always a good friend. Praying that God will give peace and comfort to all his family and loved ones.
  24. Guest: Bill Baugh | West Lafayette, IN
    Date: December 31, 2011
    I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. Gerald and I shared many good times during elementary school in Mitchell. I always enjoyed seeing him during festival week. May God comfort you during this time. Bill Baugh
  25. Guest: Larry & Ina Delaney | Bedford, IN
    Date: December 31, 2011
    May God bless you with many joyous memories.
  26. Guest: James & Vicky Ely | Bowling Green, KY
    Date: December 30, 2011
    Our prayers go out to the family.
  27. Guest: Maxine Ashley | Orleans, IN
    Date: December 30, 2011
    Pat ,I am so sorry for your loss . He will be missed by all the kids he taught . I am so glad you found some happiness and now you have all those memories. You will be in my thoughts the next few days .

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