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MICHAEL DALE TOLSON, of Columbia, MO passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at University Hospital in Columbia. Mike was born June 19, 1949 in Brunswick, MO to Thomas Tolson, Jr. and Willa Kitchen Tolson. He was educated at B.K. Bruce School and the Brunswick Public Schools, graduating from Brunswick High School in 1967.

Mr. Tolson served in the U.S. army from 1968 to 1971, and was awarded the rank of Sergeant in 1970. After receiving an honorable discharge, he continued his military service through the Army Reserves. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm, where he served as a medic. Mike attended Truman State University and received a B.S. degree in Psychology in 1974, he also attended Columbia College.

Mike was united in marriage to Betty Jean Elliott on December 15, 1968. He and Betty were the proud parents of four daughters, and these girls remained the light of his life. Mike was employed at the Harry S. Truman Veterans Hospital in Columbia, MO, and retired on April 1, 2008 with 39 years of service. At his retirement he was serving as the Shop Foreman in the Facilities Management Department. For many years he also operated his own automotive repair business.

Mike was a member and a former Deacon of the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in Columbia. He was a former member of the Mason’s, the “Ole Dud” Pheasant Hunting Club, and a motorcycle club. He was an enjoyed flying and was a licensed pilot.

Mike was an outgoing person and he never met a stranger. He made friends wherever he went, and with his caring personality, he was always happy to assist both friend and stranger in any circumstance.

Mike leaves to cherish his memory wife, Betty Tolson; daughters Crystal Gregory (Ken) of Columbia, MO; Natalie Jones (Harold) of Owasso, OK; Michele Tolson, Of Kansas City, MO; and Jessica Michael Tolson, of Columbia, MO. Mike is also survived by three sisters, Gail Alexander, of Brunswick, MO; Diana Buckner (Earl) of Columbia, MO; and Judy Turner (Robert) Warrensburg, MO. He is also survived by sister-in-law Renee Tolson, of Blue Springs, MO; five grandchildren; Tayler Gregory, Imani, Harold, and Iyana Jones: and Dion Tolson. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Walter Thomas Tolson. He leaves behind a huge host of extended family and amazing number of friends. Everyone who knew Mike will hold his memory dear in their hearts. We all love you Mike, and know you are resting safely in the arms of Jesus.

Visitation is 1-2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19th with services following at 2:00 p.m. at the Summerville Funeral Home in Salisbury. Burial in Eastlawn Memory Gardens with military graveside services by the Missouri Military Honors Team. Memorials to Alzheimer ‘s Association or Camp Hickory Hills