Clarence (Tab) Tolbert was born May 22, 1909, in Decker, Indiana, and died   July 18, 1962. He was born to Walter and Nora A. Tolbert. There were five boys and one girl born to the Tolbert family. They were, in order of age, Doyle, Don, Clarence, Carter, Meb and Neva Dot.

Clarence was a 1927 graduate of Lincoln High School. While at Lincoln he was a varsity letterman in basketball, a member of the year book staff which was then called the Reflector, and was also a member of the Playshop. He was a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College in Winchester, Kentucky, which is now located in Owensboro, Kentucky. He was a college varsity basketball player there and graduated in 1931. Clarence also received his Masters Degree from the University of Kentucky in 1946.

.His first teaching assignment was in Spencer, Indiana in 1931, where he taught science and was the head varsity basketball coach. In 1936, he accepted a science teaching position at Clark Junior High School in Vincennes. He remained in that position until he was elevated to principal in 1955. He served in that position until he became principal of Lincoln High School in 1959. He was an IHSAA basketball and track official and for years was the starter for the famous Old Post Relay Invitational in Vincennes.

Clarence Tolbert had a distinguished Naval career from June 1942 until February 1946. While on duty with the Atlantic Fleet, he participated in the invasion of France. He served aboard the USS Catoctin as communications officer for the famed Yalta Conference. He was separated from service with the rank of Lt. Commander.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Harmony Society, the Elks, the Vincennes Kiwanis Club, and the Masonic Lodge of Vincennes. He had many professional affiliations that included the National Association of Secondary School Administrators, the Secondary School Administrators of Southern Indiana, and the National Education Association. He was a strong, lifelong supporter of the YMCA and an ardent supporter of the Salvation Army.

He was married to Josephine (Mefford) Tolbert and had two children. Robert Daniel Tolbert, M.D. and Claudia Jean Tolbert Hutchison. Among the proud members of his family that knew him well and those who wish they had the privilege to have known him are the following:

Claudia's husband, Richard A. Hutchison and his family consisting of Pat and Theresa Hutchison, Tim Hutchison, Ann and Karl Donovan, and Susan and Jason Ahlbrand. These grandchildren have also produced nine great--grandchildren.

Robert (Tab) and his wife Barbara and their family including Chip and Louan Tolbert, Chris and Cindy Tolbert, and Terry and Lynn Tolbert. These grandchildren also left him with six additional great-grandchildren.

Clarence was loved by this family, students and community. He has left a legacy of inspiration and great memories to all who are so honored to have known, seen and heard about him.

Distinquished Alumni 2000

Class of 1927