Carl Eugene Tobler

Carl Eugene Tobler, 85, of Atoka, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026. He was born July 22, 1941, in Bokchito, Oklahoma, to George and Hazel Janie (Estep) Tobler.

Carl graduated from Bokchito High School with the Class of 1959 and later attended Murray State College. After college, he moved to Dallas and began his working life delivering fresh-baked bread door-to-door for a local bakery.

On June 4, 1961, Carl married Mary Lou Schrah at Bokchito Baptist Church. Together they spent 65 years building a life, raising their family, and becoming a cherished part of the Atoka community.

Carl discovered his work passion in the automobile business. A natural salesman with an unmatched gift for visiting with people, he built a long and successful career selling cars and ultimately became the proud co-owner of Estep Chevrolet in Atoka. His dealership was far more than a business—it was a place where he formed lifelong friendships, served his community, and became known by generations of customers. Carl loved cars and people and had a rare ability to make everyone feel like an old friend.

Outside of work, Carl was happiest outdoors. A true outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing and spent countless hours enjoying the Oklahoma land he treasured. He raised quail and pheasants, guided hunts, and shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with family and friends. Carl also had a special love for dogs and was a proud breeder of Brittany Spaniels, raising some of the finest bird dogs in the area.

He enjoyed raising cattle and tending his garden, especially his tomatoes, which were famous among family and friends for being the very best. Carl took pride in working with his hands, being outside, and pouring care into everything he did.

Carl’s greatest joy was his family, especially his four grandchildren. He loved watching them grow and took every opportunity to spend time with them - eating ice cream and drinking root beer, fishing, shooting cans, attending their games and school events, going on vacations together, and making countless treasured memories. He was immensely proud of each of them.

Carl was a member of Southside Baptist Church and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He spent his life working hard, providing for his family, and caring deeply for those he loved most.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou (Schrah) Tobler of the home; son, James Tobler and Sylvia of Atoka, Oklahoma; daughter, Shelley (Tobler) Alexander and Brent of Lucas, Texas; grandchildren, Marisela Alexander, Ainsley Alexander, Grady Alexander, and Barrett Alexander; brother, Mike Tobler and Brenda of Millcreek, Oklahoma; sister, Kay Monigold of Tyler, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Alfred and Hazel Janie (Estep) Tobler; his brothers, Weldon Tobler, Charles Tobler, and baby James Lynn Tobler.

Carl leaves behind a legacy built on hard work, a firm handshake, a love of the outdoors, a passion for animals and hunting, and above all, a deep love for his family. He will be remembered as the best father and grandfather, brother, a loyal friend, a kindhearted man, a storyteller, an outdoorsman, and a car salesman with the most unforgettable handshake and hug.

He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.