Jerry Tom Tolbert of Poteau, Oklahoma (formerly of Heavener, Oklahoma) was born January 21, 1932 in Weeks, Arkansas to William and Emma (Robinson) Tolbert and passed away February 6, 2018 in Poteau, Oklahoma at the age of 86.

He is survived by:

His wife:
Janet (Plummer) Tolbert of the home

Three daughters:
Jeanne Mead and husband Robert of Heavener, Oklahoma
Tonya Woodruff and husband William Poteau, Oklahoma
Dana Gilliam of Poteau, Oklahoma

Two sons:
David Ollie and wife Tara of Yukon, Oklahoma
Brian Ollie and wife Crystal of Heavener, Oklahoma

One sister:
Billie Pickle of Heavener, Oklahoma

Six grandchildren:
Tonya Cheek and husband Rodney of Heavener, Oklahoma
Clint Pebsworth of Omaha, Nebraska
Taylor Shockley and husband Taylor of Poteau, Oklahoma
Jason Tolbert of Jouy-en-Jasas, France
Megan Woodruff of Fort Smith, Arkansas
Samantha Gilliam of Stillwater, Oklahoma

Six great-grandchildren:
Makayla, Carson, and Gannon Cheek all of Heavener, Oklahoma
Lydia Pebsworth of Omaha, Nebraska
Treven and Holden Shockley of Poteau, Oklahoma

One daughter-in-law:
Susan Tolbert of Poteau, Oklahoma

One niece:
Nancy Tanner and husband Gary

A special caregiver:
Jennifer McGarrah

Special friends:
Jo Milligan
Derrick Henderson

Hoot owl holer friends

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Stanley Tolbert. Jerry was a life-long resident of the area, a graduate of Heavener High School, a member of the Trinity Baptist Church, and member of the Waldron Masonic Lodge #132. He retired from the Leflore County Highway Department District #3 and from the Heavener Fire Department where he served from 1961-1983. Jerry served as Chief and was known as "Smoke Eater". He enjoyed listening to Polka music, working on the farm, taking care of his chicken, ducks, and his special dog "Smokey". Jerry loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by many.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2018 at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, Oklahoma with Brother Joe Haydon Hall officiating. Burial will follow in Heavener Memorial Park in Heavener, Oklahoma under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be: Clint Pebsworth, David Ollie, Brian Ollie, Derrick Henderson, William Woodruff, Carson Cheek, and Gannon Cheek.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Denver Turner, Carl Lockhart, Johnny Newcomer, Sam Hall, Roger Cheek, Rudy Barnes, Jason Tolbert, and the retired members of the Heavener Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Heavener Fire Department Family Fund or the Poteau Humane Society.

Viewing will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., Wednesday; 8:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m., Thursday; and 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., Friday.