Charles Madden Tolbert, PhD

Charles Madden Tolbert, 103, of Houston, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026. Per his wishes, a family graveside service was held at Oakwood Cemetery, Waco, Texas.

Son of Eula Madden and Burton Ethel Tolbert, Charles was born September 14, 1922, in Union, Mississippi, and grew up in nearby Philadelphia, graduating from high school in 1940. He then attended a nearby junior college for a brief period before taking a civil service position in Washington, D.C., working for a year before responding to the World War II draft call. His three years of duty in the U.S. Army culminated in a year-long stint in a Signal Corps unit near Chinkiang, China.

Following his honorable discharge from the service in 1946, he entered Mississippi College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1948. It was there that he met Jean Furr, whom he married in 1949. They were married for 58 years.

Upon completing his doctorate at Louisiana State University, Dr. Tolbert was employed at Baylor University to teach sociology. In 1960, he was named chairman of the department, an appointment that spanned 28 years. During that time, there was a dramatic upsurge in enrollment, necessitating a larger staff and increased options in subject matter. He and his colleagues established additional undergraduate majors in anthropology and social work, plus a graduate program in gerontology. Following the integration of Baylor in 1963, he was one of the sponsors in the formation of the Association of Black Students.

In addition, his professional activities included presidency of the Baylor Chapter of the American Association of University Professors, 1964; presidency of the Southwestern Sociological Association, 1977; presidency of the Southwestern Social Science Association, 1984; and Editorial Board member, Journal of Church and State, 1965-1993. Dr. Tolbert retired from Baylor in 1993.

In the larger Waco community, he was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and choir member. He was a strong believer in local preservation and gave extended support to Historic Waco Foundation, beginning in 1975 at Fort House.

Charles spent 13 years living independently at Providence Village where he enjoyed several volunteer assignments. The highlight of that time was a 100th birthday celebration. He was overwhelmed by the turnout of more than 150 of his friends and neighbors. To be closer to family, he subsequently moved to Houston.

Dr. Tolbert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother, B.E. Tolbert, Jr. He is survived by his son, Charles Tolbert II and his wife, Tricia; granddaughter, Rachel Kimbro and her husband Rob; grandson, Patrick Tolbert and his wife, Amanda; and great-grandchildren, Eleanor Kimbro, Thomas Kimbro, Emily Tolbert, and Sydney Tolbert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charles M. and Jean Furr Tolbert Scholarship fund at Baylor University, One Bear Place #97026, Waco, TX 76798-7026, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Charles family would like to invite you to leave a message or memory in his online “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.