Homer “Red” Tolliver, 78, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, June 14, 2012.

Born in Rock Lake, North Dakota on August 9, 1933, Red joined the U.S. Navy immediately following his graduation from high school and proudly served for more than 20 years, retiring at NAS Corpus Christi in 1972. His second career was with New York Life Insurance Company from which he retired in 1997. While Red enjoyed several hobbies including boxing (high school and Navy), hunting, fishing and crossword puzzles, his biggest passion was his love of country music, as an avid fan as well as a singer and musician. His love of performing was cultivated while in the Navy, where he was part of several bands over the years while stationed at different Naval Bases throughout the country, even performing as part of the USO Tour while stationed aboard the USS Constellation. After moving to Texas in 1962, his band, Red and the Rounders, which included his wife, Pat, on the drums, played all around the South Texas area for many years. Whether playing music or just spending time with family and friends, those that knew them well knew that a weekend with Red and Pat, especially “at the lake”, was a party not to be missed...and most rarely did.

Red was preceded in death by Patricia, his devoted and loving wife of 49 years; his parents, Homer and Mildred Tolliver; stepmother, Louise Tolliver; and brother, Ray Tolliver.

He is survived by his son, Daryl Tolliver; daughter-in-law, Kim Alexander (son, Bryson) and grandson, Derek Tolliver; his daughter, Judy Allen; son-in-law, Fred Allen; granddaughter, Amanda Allen and grandson, Jordan Allen, wife Angela Allen and great-grandson, Rylan Allen, all of Houston, Texas. He also leaves behind two sisters: Judy Thompson, husband Larry Thompson; and Carol Smith, all of Kennewich, Wash., as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would also like to mention his wonderful friends and neighbors, Julie and Waymon Armstrong, for their love and support of our beloved Red.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Guardian Funeral Home, 5922 Crosstown, SH 286, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78417.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to may donate in his honor to the American Lung Association: http://www.lung.org/.

Guardian Funeral Home, Corpus Christi