Richard Layton Tolbert

Richard Layton "Rick" Tolbert passed away on July 4, 2026, at Saint Francis Hospital in Muskogee, Oklahoma, at the age of 77. Rick was born on February 6, 1949, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Charles L. Tolbert and Anna M. (nee Layton) Tolbert. He spent his early years in Oklahoma City before graduating from Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa. He went on to pursue a career in medicine, earning diplomas in Radiologic Technology and Nuclear Medicine from St. John's Hospital in Tulsa in 1969 and 1970. He became a Registered Radiologic Technologist in 1969 and a Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist in 1971. Rick took great pride in his profession and truly loved caring for others. Throughout his career, he served patients at South Community Hospital in Oklahoma City, Muskogee Regional Medical Center, Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Altus, and later with Dr. Satish Kohli and his staff in Muskogee, where he especially enjoyed the friendships he formed and the opportunity to continue helping others. In recognition of his dedication and excellence, Rick received the Mallinckrodt Award of Excellence in 1970 for outstanding academic achievement and clinical performance. Although he was highly skilled in his field, those who knew him best understood that his greatest gift was the compassion and gentle care he gave to every patient. On November 7, 1970, Rick married the love of his life, Sue Lynn Brandes, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Together they built a life centered on faith in one another, family, and enduring love. Their marriage of more than fifty-five years was filled with shared adventures, laughter, and the joy of watching their family grow through the generations. Rick was a devoted father to Loryn Danielle Hayman and her wife Shannon, Les Tolbert and his wife Erica, Trevor Tolbert and his wife Erika, Skye Tolbert, and Becky Degollado. He delighted in being "Grand Dad" to his grandchildren: Jordyn Hayman, Tyler Hayman, Mariah Mitchell, Noah Krafft, Lucas Tolbert, Victoria Tolbert, Nathaniel Tolbert, Lily Tolbert, Forrest, Bishop, and Willow Collins, Andrew Tolbert, Anna Paige Tolbert, Nicholas Pease, Brendan Sherwood, and Dusty Degollado McCombs. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Athena Berleth and Jacklynn McCombs, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by his brothers, C. Thomas Tolbert and his wife, Kathleen, and Daniel E. Tolbert; brother-in-law, Devon Brandes and wife Lisa; and sister-in-law, Terri Brandes; his nephew and nieces, Charles Lee Tolbert, Diane Boyd, Olivia Tolbert, Kelsey Tolbert, Madison Tolbert, Ava Brandes, Sophia Brandes, Terri Dawn Howell-English, and Caitlyn Green along with many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles L. Tolbert and Anna M. (nee Layton) Tolbert; his older, brother Kenneth L. Tolbert; and his adopted daughter, Shannon Hodge. Outside of work, Rick found happiness in life's simple pleasures. He loved spending time outdoors, especially with a fishing rod in his hands. Some of his favorite days were spent fishing below the dam at Fort Gibson Lake, where the peaceful surroundings suited his quiet nature. He was never one to seek attention, but those closest to him knew he had a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed telling stories and jokes to his brothers, his children, and anyone fortunate enough to spend time with him. Family gatherings were often filled with laughter as old stories resurfaced—especially tales of Rick and his brothers' adventures, mischievous antics, and unforgettable fireworks escapades. Those memories became treasured family legends that will continue to be shared for years to come. Rick will be honored with a family gathering at a later date.

Richard Layton Tolbert

February 6, 1949 - July 4, 2026