Robert A. Tolson Sr

Robert A. Tolson Sr., age 89 of Cleveland County, died, Tuesday, July 26, 2011. He was born June 19, 1922, in Rison, a son of the late Roy Tolson and Mae Bridges Tolson. Mr. Tolson was a 1940 graduate of Rison High School. He received his Bachelors degree in 1948 from the University of Arkansas at Monticello (formerly Arkansas A & M College), and his Masters degree in education from the University of Houston. Mr. Tolson served in the United States Navy. He was a Mason, a member of Culpepper Masonic Lodge Number 186 and Pine Bluff 69; and of the Order of Eastern Star having served as Worthy Grand Patron in 1974. Mr. Tolson thoroughly enjoyed music and played professionally for many years in Houston and locally. In addition to his many years of teaching music and directing band in many local schools, he also served as Choir Director for 17 years at Carr Memorial United Methodist Church. He was a retired teacher and a member of Lakeside United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff. Mr. Tolson was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie Tolson; son, Randy Tolson; and daughter-in-law, Jana Jones Tolson.

Mr. Tolson is survived by two sons, Robert Tolson Jr. and wife, Glenda, of Cleveland County; and Roy E. Tolson of White Hall. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Amy Raines of Ft. Worth, TX, Missy Clements of Laguna Niguel, CA, Ginny Peyton of North Little Rock, AR, Kristi Tolson of Cleveland County; and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a .m., Friday, July 29, 2011, at Buie Funeral Home with Reverend Pam Estes and Reverend David Fleming officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 28, 2011, at Buie Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison. (870) 325-6216.