Dr. Robin "R.B." Baron Tolson

Dr. “R.B.” Tolson, of Groesbeck, passed away at Brookshire, TX. on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at age 95.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2021 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside services and burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 26, 2021, in the Wellborn Cemetery (College Station), near his parents and sister.

Robin Baron Tolson, formerly Howell Evander Gandy, was born to Marian Howell Gandy and Jessie Jewel McVey Gandy on December 20, 1925 in his grandparents’ home in Minter Springs, Brazos County, Texas. 

After graduation from A & M Consolidated High School, he joined the U. S. Army Air Corps, and was stationed at Holton Airfield, Halesworth, Suffolk, England.  He served as a tail gunner on a B-24 in combat over occupied Europe.  One of his war stories was about seeing the first jet in existence, built by the Nazis, and not understanding how it flew without propellers.

Following military service, he worked in the petroleum industry and had his own business, in water well-drilling.  He transitioned to public school education.  He completed his math degree at UT Austin, later earning a doctorate in education from Texas A&M.  His career went from classroom teaching to school superintendency.  

Following retirement, Dr. Tolson enjoyed a successful ranching operation in Limestone County, TX.   He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mexia.

Dr. Tolson was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Beth Gandy Nagle; and his daughter, Nancy Roser Fabrygel.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lucille Fluitt Tolson; his daughter, Deborah Tolson Wilson (Randolph); his daughter, Jewel Tolson Kozak (Douglas); his son-in-law, Christian Fabrygel, III; as well as his nephew, M. Charles Gandy.   Grandchildren are: Amber Fabrygel Posey, Randolph K. Wilson, III, Christian Fabrygel, IV, Damian Kozak, Devin Kozak, and Dalton Kozak.  Dr. Tolson is also survived by four small great grandchildren.