OBITUARIES: Joe Toler

Joe Toler, 85 of Galatia, passed away at 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on Sept. 8, 1929, in Dongola, a son to Dock and Ethel (Turner) Toler. Joe married Jean Murphy on Jan. 30, 1977, in Galatia.

He worked as an installer for the telephone company. Joe served in the US Army. He has been an area resident for the last 50 years. Joe was a member of the North America Church of Galatia. He was a lifelong Democrat, was Mayor of Galatia, served on the Saline County Board and was a retired member of IBEW Local No. 702. He also had a passion for gardening.

Joe is survived by his wife: Jean of Galatia; seven children: Larry Toler of Florida, Kim (Diane) Toler of Galatia, Keith (Judy) Van Dyke of Harrisburg, Judy Rochford of Harrisburg, John Van Dyke of Carrier Mills, David Van Dyke of Carrier Mills and Kathy Brech of Arkansas; 18 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Barbara Casey and Carolyn Modgelin; one brother: Jerry Toler and his beloved dog penny. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Besides his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a son: Terry Wayne in infancy; and one sister: Bonnie.

Funeral services for Joe will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at Sloan Funeral Home in Galatia with Pastor Jackson Van Dyke officiating. Burial will be in North America Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday night at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to North America Church.