James ‘Red’ Tolbert

James William “Red” Tolbert, 95, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. Red was born on April 11, 1931, in Miller, Missouri, to James Elmer and Celia Francis (Owens) Tolbert. 

Red grew up in the Ash Grove area and graduated from Ash Grove High School in 1949. Red then began his railroad career with Frisco Railroad and retired as a supervisor from Burlington Northern Railroad. He enjoyed his work and all the friendships he made throughout the years. 

Red enjoyed being outdoors, whether he was fishing with Mike Hooten or riding horses with William Smith. After his wife, June, passed in 2018 and Red moved into a retirement community, he enjoyed shooting pool and going to Winstar with his new friends he made there. Red will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him. 

Red is survived by his daughter, Margaret Jan Moore and husband, Michael; daughter-in-law, Cris Tolbert; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other loving family and many friends. 

Red was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Celia (Frankie)Tolbert; wife, June Tolbert; son, James William Tolbert Jr., stepson, Don Bailey, sisters, Aletha Ruark and Reba Hoover.

Visitation was 1 p.m, until service time, Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services began at 2 p.m. with burial to follow at Sinking Creek Cemetery, Everton, Missouri.