Edgar A. Tolbert

Edgar Allen Tolbert, 80, of Columbus, Ohio, Beloved Father, Brother, Brother-in-law, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, and best friend passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025. He was born on March 3, 1945, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Alvin and Earlene (Cooper) Tolbert.

Ed proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, 505th Infantry, from 1962 to 1965. After his military service, he dedicated 30 years to the State of Ohio Department of Health before retiring.

Known affectionately as “Ed,” he was warm, welcoming, and encouraging to everyone he met. Always ready with a dad joke, a funny story, or a humorous saying, Ed brought joy and laughter to many. He loved collecting and watching movies, had a deep passion for African American history, and enjoyed horse racing—occasionally picking a winner. A true Ohioan, he was a devoted fan of the Cleveland Browns and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Earlene Tolbert; sister Patricia (Tolbert) Evans; and brothers Richard “Dickie” Tolbert, Thomas Tolbert, and Robert “Sandy” Tolbert.

He is survived by his beloved children: sons Raymond (Lacey) Tolbert, Jeffrey (Alicia) Tolbert, and his "favorite daughter," Michelle Tolbert-Jacobs. He also leaves behind his former wife and best friend, Linda Tolbert.

Ed was the proud grandfather of Devine Harvey, Noelle Bryant, Megan Bell, Jeffrey Tolbert Jr., Jasmine (Kris) Lampkin, Marica Tolbert, Jordan Jacobs, Malachi Walker, Mateo Walker, Marius Tolbert, Maxus Tolbert, and Miles Tolbert.

He cherished his great-grandchildren: Kendall Harvey, Kylen Harvey, Jeffrey Tolbert III, Amira Bryant, Logan Reed, Mila Clifton, Alora Jacobs, Violet Walker, Ja’Karri Tolbert, Layne Walburg, Jay’Ceon Tolbert, and a soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter.

He is also survived by his loving sisters Phyllis (Richard) Williams and Nina (Robert) Strickland; sisters-in-laws Henrietta Tolbert, Theresa Tolbert, and Garla Tolbert; and his forever in-laws, the Walker family.

Ed's memory will also be lovingly carried on by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and by extended family: Lili Keon, Demara Sabree, Yolonda Frierson, Keith Hamilton, Josh Walburg, Laylah Walburg, Angela Webber, and who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 1st, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a Funeral Service immediately following at Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service 1370 East Main Street Columbus, Ohio 43205. Burial will process to Glen Rest Memorial Estate, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

To leave a message of condolence please visit his Guestbook.