Toney, Franklin Benjamin

Obituaries

Franklin Toney, 88
March 29, 1922 – May 31, 2010

Franklin Benjamin Toney, 88, of Niles died at 1:25 p.m. Monday, May 31, 2010 at Silverbrook Manor in Niles of a brief illness.

Mr. Toney was born March 29, 1922 in Niles to Henry and Florence (McClary) Toney. He graduated from Niles High School and lived in Niles all of his life.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Coast Guard. He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans.

Franklin worked for many years as a tool and die maker, first at Kawneer Co. and he later retired from the Modineer Co., both of Niles.

Franklin was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Niles. He was also a life member of Saint Joseph Valley Lodge 4, F. & A.M. He enjoyed music, especially big band and jazz, and dancing with his wife. He was a competitive bowler on the Stroh’s team. His greatest interest was raising his children.

On Jan. 11, 1947 in Niles, he married the former Bette Lou Bailey, who preceded him in death Dec. 7, 1997. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Gordon, who died March 31, 1952.

Surviving family includes a son, Terry Toney, of Buchanan; daughters, Nancy (Bruce) Evick and Tracey Toney, both of Niles; grandchildren, Heather Lee Polk, Tyler Lee Toney, Ryan Anthony Evick, Danielle Kristen Watson and Anthony Roger Tracey; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Austin and Isabella Castillo.

The funeral service for Franklin Benjamin Toney will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 4, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church of Niles with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of the church officiating.

Committal services will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles and will conclude with a flag presentation and “Taps” by a unit of the United States Coast Guard.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday with Masonic rites at 7:30 p.m. by Saint Joseph Valley Lodge 4.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Toney may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Niles or to In House Hospice.

Niles Daily Star, Published 11:11pm Tuesday, June 1, 2010