Lewis Keith Tolson Obituary (1921 - 2005)

Born Apr 03, 1921, Lewis Keith Tolson attended Stanton County High School in Johnson, KS. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Lewis Keith Tolson.

Graduation Year	Class of 1939
Date of Birth	Apr 03, 1921
Date of Passing	Nov 16, 2005
About	Lewis Keith Tolson, 84, Olathe, KS, died Wednesday, November 16, 2005, at DelMar Gardens Nursing Home in Overland Park, KS. Keith was born April 3, 1921, in Garden City, KS, to Emma Elizabeth (Moore) and John Edward Tolson growing up in Johnson, KS. College work at Kansas State University starting in 1939 was interrupted by entry into the US Army in November 1942 where he was sent to the University of Oklahoma as part of his training. While there he met Verna Dell Zinn on a blind date. About three months later on December 23, 1943, Keith and Verna Dell were married in Blair, OK. Keith was soon shipped out to the South Pacific where he served in the Signal Corps as a supply sergeant in New Guinea and Leyte and Manilla, the Philippines. After being honorably discharged from the Army in February 1946, he returned to KSU where he graduated in 1947 with a BS in Agronomy. Moving to the Houstonia and Sweet Springs, MO, area he worked on his father's farm, taught agriculture as a grain elevator inspector for both the State of Missouri and US Dept. of Agriculture. Moving to Overland Park, KS, in 1962, he began working as a computer analyst for the USDA and held that position until retirement in August 1984. Although retired from formal work, Keith never quit working and volunteering. He spent significant time at Grace UMC taking blood pressures, playing in the bell choir, and helping a gardening club. He participated in the Olathe Public Schools Seniors Serving Schools program discussing Dust Bowl and depression days, World War II experiences, and bee keeping. He maintained affiliation with American Field Service after hosting a high school student from Thailand (1968-69). He helped dispense voting and other information to new US citizens at naturalization ceremonies for the League of Women Voters, was a past officer and committee member of the Kansas Chapter of the National Assn. of Retired Federal Employees and was active with the Olathe Runners Club. He was a lifelong member of the Masons. Keith was preceded in death by his son Michael Hal, in 1993; and wife, Verna Dell in 1997. Survivors include his brother, Richard Moore Tolson and wife, Blue, of Pensacola, FL; two sons, Jon Keith Tolson and wife, Kathy, of Olathe, KS, and Patrick Marion Tolson and wife, Robin, of Piedmont, OK; and six grandchildren or step-grandchildren; one greatgranddaughter; and priceless friend and companion, Lois Heath of Olathe, KS. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, November 21, at Grace United Methodist Church, 11485 Ridgeview Road, Olathe, KS, 66061. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Grace United Methodist Church. (Cremation: McGilley & Frye Funeral Home, Olathe, KS) https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/273396534/lewis-keith-tolson