Doodle Tolbert

Carroll Lee “Doodle” Tolbert passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on September 16, 2025, at his home, with his loving family by his side.

Born on April 9, 1936, in Elizabethtown, Illinois, Doodle was the third of seven children of Wilson and Beatrice (Showalter) Tolbert. He often shared stories with family and friends about the joys and challenges of growing up in Hardin County. Raised by a strong, loving, and hardworking mother, Doodle began helping support his family at an early age by working on local farms. He frequently spoke about doing what he could to make sure the “babies” (Steve, Della, and Roy) were always cared for.

Doodle was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Mary Ann Keeney and Elizabeth Rose Reed; and brothers Deneen “Stack” Tolbert and Robert “George” Stephen Tolbert.

Doddle is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Ethel (Price) Tolbert of Lake Zurich; daughters Sherry Gail Tolbert and Vicky Rene’ (Johnny) Cox; and chosen bonus daughters Jan Behnkes of Marengo and Charlotte Giles of Tennessee; sister, Della Jarvis; and brother Roy (Kay) Tolbert.

He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Jeffrey (Amber) Wilcox, Michael Doddle Watts, Tony (Jennifer) Cox, Scott (Laura) Cox, and Pamela (Adam) Clapp; five great-grandchildren: Dylan (Ashlyn) Cox, Madelyn Cox, Amelia Cox, Katrina Clapp, Taylor Clapp, and Henry Thomann (great-great-grandson); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Doodle met Ethel Mae Price when he was eight years old and she was five. She would sit on a hill and watch him cut the brush near her home. They were married on December 24, 1955. The early years in Hardin County were tough, but they persevered together. In 1957, they moved to the Chicago area, where Doodle began work in road construction and Ethel at a hospital. Through their determination, they built a stable and loving home for their daughters.

Doodle was a proud, longtime member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, where he worked for over 65 years before retiring in 2009, at the age of 75. He received his Lifetime Membership Card on July 28, 2006. One of his greatest points of pride was seeing two of his grandsons, Jeffrey (“Squirt”) and Scott (“Stretch”), follow in his footsteps as heavy equipment operators with Local 150. Through his mentorship, Doodle helped thousands of individuals start careers in construction across the Chicago area.

After retiring, Doodle spent his days at “Almost a Farm,” the property he and Ethel cherished in Marengo. They hosted legendary Labor Day picnics there, welcoming hundreds of families and friends through the years. A passionate gardener, Doodle believed that “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” He took pride in every step of the process, from preparing the soil to harvesting crops, and delighted in sharing the bounty with loved ones. One of his signature gifts was his homemade salsa, crafted from vegetables grown in his own gardens and made in gallons for friends and family.

Doodle’s life was one of humble beginnings, hard work, and immeasurable love. He inspired those around him to rise above their circumstances, to work hard, and to always help others. From an early age, he knew who he was, what he stood for, and what he wanted to achieve. His impact will be felt for generations.

In his final days, Doodle made a personal confession of faith, acknowledging his sins and professing belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He was deeply loved and has now gone home to his well-deserved reward.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to time of Funeral 12:45 p.m. with Pastor Tim Bailey officiating, all at Davenport Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 941 S Old Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL. (847) 550-4221

Cremation will be performed by Davenport Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, and the burial will follow at a later date in Central Cemetery in Elizabethtown, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Central cemetery fund. Make the check out to the Central cemetery fund. Mail to Banterra bank, 225 main, P.O. Box 189 Rosiclare Illinois 62982