John Harrison Tolleson

Birth date: Jul 29, 1937 Death date: Oct 6, 2020

John Harrison Tolleson, age 83, died on October 6, 2020 of complications of Parkinson’s Disease at the Willard Walker Hospice Home. He died with the great love of his life, Gail, and his four daughters by his side. John is surviv Read Obituary

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Regina Strong Sherwood

260w ago

John & Gail were my parents‘ neighbors on Lakeside Drive many years ago. I remember how kind & helpful they were to them. A few years ago I had the pleasure of becoming reacquainted when the Tolleson’s moved back to the area. When my sixth grade students did a polio fundraiser, I contacted the Kiwanis Club & has a nice conversation with John about our efforts. He arranged for some club members to visit our school & recognize the students. It was a pleasure to visit with him again.
With deepest sympathy,
Regina Strong Sherwood

Larry And Karolyn Davenport

262w ago

John, what a great and kind man. I will miss hearing you play the piano. I remember the song that you wrote for Gail while driving across country.The concert at Walton ArtS Center, seeing you drive up in your old Pontiac and many more memories. You will be missed.

Anita Greer Phillips

263w ago

I think John and Gail have always been the kindest people I have ever known.
Anita Greer Phillips

Ben Nye

263w ago

Myself and many Sigma Nu brothers owe John a debt of gratitude for his work in helping get Sigma Nu back. Sigma Nu changed my life—something that would not have been possible had the fraternity not restarted in 2004. John is a part of that. Although it had been almost a decade since I had seen him, I will miss him nonetheless. God bless.

Mary

263w ago

I had the pleasure of meeting John in 2016 when he visited my exercise class. He was a devoted member and encouraged fellow classmates to do their best. I will miss you, John and that infectious smile.

David Alphin

263w ago

So sorry to hear about John’s passing. I got to know him very well as a member of the Rotary Club of Fayetteville. I would also see him at many of the women’s Razorback basketball games. He was truly a fine fellow, and will be missed by all who knew him...!!
David Alphin
Fayetteville, AR

Ken Clark

263w ago

John was full of life, great smile, and always a kind word. Add some foot stomping, early rock showmanship and he was one of a kind and touched many people in positive ways.

My deepest condolences to Gail and the Tolleson family.

Ken Clark

Betty Sterling

263w ago

My husband and I went to school with John and my husband were members of the greenwood band John and my husband (John Harvey) were in the Jazz kats band. What wonderful memories we have ! I visited with him at one of his visits to greenwood school so glad to get to see him again he was a wonderful friend we look forward to seeing him again! Betty and John Harvey Sterling SR.

Troy Brand

263w ago

I was so sad to hear the news of John's passing earlier this week. He was such a unique, beautiful person, and a very supportive friend from the first time I met him at the University of Arkansas in the late 50's and on. I had the great pleasure to be part of his rock and roll band until I left for the Air Force in 1963. While I was there, others in the band were Ken Clark, Chalkey Dearien, Charles Conine, and Mike Davis. Others followed later on. We spent endless, happy hours together through several years of traveling to adjacent states making our music. As band members, we will never forget stacking Coca-Cola cases three-high to raise his piano so he could stand, play, dance and sing, joyously entertaining non-stop for four hours. We shared wonderful memories together.

To Gail, the children and grand-children: please know that Pat and I are so sorry for your loss. Your husband/father/grandfather was a very special man who leaves you a great legacy and example of creativity, love and devotion. All of you will be forever in our hearts and prayers.

Troy and Pat Brand
New Braunfels, Texas

Bill Wright

263w ago

R.I.P. John. You were one of the good guys, and you were indeed the perfect example of a class act. The Rock and Roll music scene in Northwest Arkansas, as we knew it, most likely would have been a totally different story without your fantastic contribution of talent. You blazed the trail to a Canadian connection for Arkansas that led to the big time for many, and you will be missed by all of us who knew you...

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