Francis J. Tolbert graduated from Seminole High School in 1939 before enlisting in the U.S. military.

He served in the United States Army from 1942-45 as a member of the 505 & 507^th 82^nd Airborne.

Tolbert was a paratrooper who served overseas in England, Normandy, France, Belgium, Luxemburg and Germany.

He was awarded two Purple Hearts along with other medals.

He later returned to Seminole, OK and started a successful trucking company, United Truck Service.

Tolbert was married with two sons.