Robert L. Tolar

Robert L. Tolar, 71, a commercial artist who worked for Washington-area department and home furnishings stores for several decades, died June 18 at his home in the District. He had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, said his twin sister Sara C. Tolar. Mr. Tolar worked for stores including Woodward & Lothrop, Hecht’s and local interior design shops for about 20 years before pursuing a freelance career in graphic design. In addition to his projects in the Washington area, he worked for private clients in the Middle East, his sister said. He stopped working about a decade ago because of his illness. Robert Lee Tolar was born in the District and raised in Northern Virginia. He graduated from Annandale High School in 1959 and received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the College of William and Mary in 1963. He served in the Army from 1963 to 1965 before beginning his career as a graphic artist. Survivors include his sister.