Robert M. Tollman

Born and raised in Galena, Kansas, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1941, at the age of 19. After boot camp,

he was assigned to MAG 14 HQ squadron, and became a tail gunner in SBD fighter planes,

stationed in San Diego. By Fall of 1941, his squad left on board the USS Luraline headed to Samoa, New Caledonia, and ultimately landed in an LST on Guadalcanal (and notably, featured Joe Foss, the notable ACE who was credited with downing 26 Japanese planes.

In early 1942, MAG 14 was transported to New Zealand for R & R, and shipped back to the U.S. that summer. He spent a year at Mojave AFB in California, before being deployed again to Bouganville, the Philippines, and on to Tientsin, China. Shortly after arriving, the war ended, and Bob returned to the U.S. and was discharged from the Marines in December, 1945.

Bob then spent 4 years at Pittsburg State University (Kansas), earning his degree and more importantly meeting his future wife, Elinor Philips (E.P.). They

were married on June 3, 1950, and moved to New Orleans where Bob earned his M.B.A. degree at Tulane University. Upon graduation, Bob joined the General Electric Company in New Orleans, in sales management with the lighting division. He spent a total of 17 years at GE in New Orleans, Ft. Lauderdale, Alexandria, VA and ultimately moving to Atlanta in 1969.

Bob and Elinor built their current home in Dunwoody in 1969, and in 1970, Bob formed his own sales representative company, R.M. Tollman and Associates. He served his customers proudly for the rest of his life.

One of Bob's passions over the years was photography, and he and Elinor travelled extensively throughout the world where his photo skills were honed.

Bob is survived by Elinor, his wife of 66 years, his daughters, Christine DeLashmutt of Albany, GA; Jane Nelson of Cumming, GA (and her husband Rick);and Robin Chester of Albany, GA (and her husband Robert); his granddaughters Alyson Chester Moffit (and her husband Daniel), Alexandra Nelson, Darienne Nelson Urrea (and her husband Lucas); and his grandson Wesley Chester. Bob was predeceased by his grandson, Ryan Merrill Nelson.

Memorial Service Monday, June 6, 2016 at 11:00 am at Sandy Springs Christian Church. Inurnment will be in Arlington Memorial Park at a later date.

Arrangements by Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Tucker