Howard K. Tolbert

Proud graduate of Norwood High School class of 1941 and Xavier University class of 1948.  Answered the call and enlisted in the United States Army in December of 1941.  Married June Haake, his high school sweetheart, on a weekend pass in Biloxi, Mississippi, in February of 1942.  He would not see her again for four years.   During these years, he would earn combat ribbons for Normandy, Ardennes and Rhineland, a bronze star, a purple heart, and witness the horror in liberating several camps.

          Upon returning home, he enrolled at Xavier University, where he pursued a degree in education.  As a member of the football team, he would throw a touchdown pass on the first play against Miami and later lead the Muskies to a stunning upset of U.C.  Four decades of teaching and coaching would follow at Purcell, St. Xavier and Colerain.

          Loving father of Steve (Susan Laker), Mike (Jean Tepe), Amy (Tony) Kenny, cherished grandfather Colette, Steve Jr. (Stephanie) Tolbert; Michael and Molly Tolbert; Jennifer (Josh) Baughan and Ryan Kenny, dearest great-grandfather of Andrew, Maddison, Aiden and Sam.

          Howard passed away on Sunday April 7, 2024 at age 101.  Visitation at Bellarmine Chapel, 3801 St. Francis Way, 45207 (Xavier University) on Thursday April 11 from 10 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM.  Known by many as “H” and “Coach”, he will be missed by all. Memorials may be directed to the St. Xavier Myron Kilgore and class of 1969 Scholarship Fund.   Condolences at hodappfuneralhome.com