Joe Bennett Tolleson Sr.'s Obituary
Joe Bennett Tolleson Sr.was born: April 5, 1936 in Pearsall, Texas and passed away at the age of 80 at his home on March 19, 2017 in Garland, Texas. He was preceded in death by George Lindstrom Tolleson (Father), Alma Lavinia Jackson (Mother), Betty (Bonnie) Yvonne Garnett (Sister), Georgia (Dawdy)Nell Brasher (Sister), Emma Rexene Tolleson (mother of sons). Joe is survived by his wife Sally Tolleson of Garland, TX, sons: Joe Bennett Tolleson Jr. and wife Amy of Wylie, TX; Glen Robert Tolleson and wife Wendy of Suwanee, GA; James Brett Tolleson and wife Heather of Mesquite, TX; step-daughter Cindy Foster Braley and husband Kirk of Garland, TX; 7 grandchildren: Sean, Shelbi (Malig), Sawyer, Ashley, Chris, Meaghan (Van Malsen), Kyleigh; 1 great-grandchild: Scarlet. He is also survived by his sisters Darlene Clay of San Antonio, TX; and Pat Welton of Pflugerville, TX as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was an accomplished military veteran with over 13 years in the United States Air Force. He served his country from several locations in the U.S. as well as a tour in Korea. While in the Air Force, he accumulated a wealth of experience in High-Tech electronics which served him well after leaving the armed forces. He used this experience to land various roles as a metrology technician progressing to several Sr. Management positions and ultimately starting and operating his own business. He achieved all of this while coaching several little league baseball teams, being involved in Boy Scouts and teaching his sons how to support, protect, provide and love their families. Over the past several years, Joe was extremely committed to volunteer work representing First Baptist Church of Plano. He spent countless hours providing for others through ministry programs such as The Handy Man Group by going to Galveston to help rebuild after hurricane Ike. During his time with Helping Hands he coordinated meals for all funerals that were held at the church. His volunteering also included trips to Buckner Baptist Children’s Home. You could always see Joe’s smiling face each Sunday as a greeter welcoming everyone into the church. True to his character, he continued to work part-time in the electronics field along with volunteering through the church up until two months of his passing. He’s always been a supportive husband, father, and grandfather. Memorial Service will be held on March 23, 2017 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Plano 1300 East 15th St. Plano, TX 75074. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be given in memory of Joe Tolleson to: Valley Missions or the Homeless Ministry at First Baptist Church of Plano. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
What’s your fondest memory of Joe?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joe?
Share a story where Joe's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joe you’ll never forget.
How did Joe make you smile?