Billy Gene Tolbert

Funeral service  will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday,  September 8, 2023, at Claremore First Assembly of God. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM at MMS-Payne Funeral Home.  Family will greet friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
Billy Gene Tolbert passed away peacefully on August 29, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 91. 
He was born on June 14, 1932, in Panama, Oklahoma to his parents William H. and Gladys (Carver) Tolbert. Billy's life journey began at the age of 16, when Billy left Panama and relocated to Dos Palos, California with his father. It was there that he began working at the Sam Hamburg Ranch and honed his skills as a welder and equipment operator. It was also in Dos Palos where Billy would meet Ora Faye Bratcher. They began dating and married at the Merced County court house on November 18, 1950. The newly wed couple would live at the Hamburg Ranch until moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1954. He then began working at various local fabricating shops. Eventually he began employment at American Airlines. During his time at American Airlines, Billy also worked part-time for Trimble, where he had the opportunity to meet Warren Smith. Inspired by their shared vision and entrepreneurial spirit, Billy and Warren founded S&T Manufacturing in 1973.Their company continues to thrive to this day. He would retire just a few short years ago in 2018.
Billy cherished his well-deserved time off, and loved pursuing his passions. A couple of his cherished activities were hunting and fishing. Those activities took him to many places. A couple of his favorites were  Broken Bow lake in Oklahoma and  the mountains of Meeker, Colorado. Alongside his beloved wife Faye, Bill found joy in traveling across the country in their RV, as members of the MAPS RV program, a program that took them state to state assisting churches along the way. Billy also enjoyed playing the guitar, the occasional game of bowling, and going on cruises.
Billy and Faye were active members of the Claremore Assembly of God Church and shared many years there where they were involved in anything that they were asked to do. They were very devoted to their church family and it was dementia that eventually kept them from going to the house of worship that was such a huge part of their lives.

Among Billy's proudest accomplishments was his involvement with the Teen Challenge girls home located in Disney, Oklahoma. Alongside their dear friends Ken and Sandy Little, who served as directors, Billy and Faye dedicated many years to establishing an activity center for the girls. Today, this facility stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment, and it is aptly named the Tolbert Center.

Billy will forever be remembered for his kindhearted nature and willingness to go above and beyond to assist others. He loved helping people and made a positive impact on numerous lives throughout his lifetime. His legacy of empathy and generosity will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Faye Tolbert; parents, William and Gladys Tolbert; brother, Donald Tolbert. 

Billy Gene Tolbert is survived by his loving daughter Onita Johnson and husband Mark of Owasso; sons Larry Tolbert and wife Cyndi of Sapulpa, Gary Tolbert and wife Connie of Catoosa, and Ron Tolbert and wife Edie of Broken Arrow; brother, Noel Tolbert and sister Leota Tolbert. His memory will also be cherished by his 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.