Jack Toney

Jack Toney - age 88 of Gallatin, MO passed away Friday night, December 6, 2024, at Mosaic Medical Center in St. Joseph. Jack was born on October 20, 1936, the son of John Henry and Viola Faye (Dilley) Toney in Lock Springs, MO. Jack grew up in Gallatin and attended a one room school, Little Blue Country School exactly located next to his lifetime farm.  He married Francie Barker on March 28th, 1959, at the Altamont Methodist Church, where he regularly attended as a man of great faith.  Jack and Francie met at the Stride Rite Shoe factory in Hamilton and it was clear they both wanted to buy farmland close to both Francie and Jack's parents.  Making ends meet as a farmer and factory worker wasn't always easy, so Jack later obtained training as a Respiratory Therapist and worked at both Cameron Hospital and Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton for 30 years.  Jack was a highly reputable respiratory therapist and every now and then a stranger would  recognize Jack and thank him for saving their loved one's life. He didn't speak about his responsibilities in the medical profession much.  His family later learned he had great sorrow anytime a patient was too ill to save. Even during the last two weeks of his life, he instructed his RT's what levels of oxygen, flow rates and percentages he would like to be administered. He was always witty with doctors and medical staff during his many serious hospitalizations throughout his life. He was definitely tough, optimistic, and sharp as a tack.  His quick wit and one liners were hilarious and all who met him loved his fun personality.

Jack was the sixth of eleven children.  He was taught the virtues of hard work, an appreciation for every penny earned, and knew wholeheartedly the Lord made the beauty of nature and the outdoors. He especially loved a full moon.  Growing up in a small house, his brothers and sisters explored the countryside, always performed hard chores with no complaints, and they started making music together. This wasn't a surprise because his mother's family, the Dilley's, was always known for their musical talents. The kids sang many harmonies while others joined in on guitar and other instruments.  Music brought joy to Jack. His nightly routine was coming in at sunset after doing chores, having supper, then playing his instruments until midnight. He listened to 50's country music and became as good as any player on his favorite show, Hee Haw.  He had a remarkable collection of guitars, fiddles, one banjo and one mandolin. Jack was shy about ever showing his talent in a public situation, but played endless nights gathered with family and had a close circle of friends that he played with on a weekly basis, even until the last month of his life.

Jack was a true family man and was happiest staying at home at all costs. He only ventured away for one week each summer to take his wife and kids on mountain adventures in Colorado and other neighboring states.  He thought the mountains were majestic, and was in awe of the running streams and the crisp evergreen aromas.  Even though he loved the mountains, Jack loved being a farmer in his homeland of Missouri.  He learned the art of raising cattle at a young age from his dad.  He tended to his cattle and became attached to them, and his cattle always displayed a gentle reciprocation of affection for Jack as well.  He delighted in delivering hay to them, and would watch his herd from his truck (or his collection of unique tractors) for hours. His favorites were always referred to as little "Sweet Peas" and other special nicknames. He made sure all of his animals and pets were always well fed and watered. He never hunted or fished because he loved being kind to animals.  He took pride in his fence lines and even worked on them for three hours on the day before his hospitalization.  He was blessed with a long and prosperous life and enjoyed the simple things that he and his wife had built together.  Jack will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Geraldine Everly, Gene Toney, Neil Toney, Donna Carol Calhoon, Dixie Lee Youngs, Judy Ann Love, Wanda Sue Toney, John Henry Toney, Gary Toney; a daughter-in-law, Andrea Toney; nephews, Andy McGee, David Toney, and Raymond (Bo) Calhoon; and great-niece, Hailey Toney. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Francie of the home;  children, Steve Toney (Mary) of Hamilton, MO, Anita Malo (Russell Hughes) of Liberty, MO, and Jesse Toney (Casey) of Gallatin, MO; grandchildren, Nikki Knappenberger (Scott) of Lenexa, KS, Clint Toney (Layna) of Cameron, MO, Bo Malo, currently serving his 14th year in the United States Marine Corps, Jack Malo (Kelsey) of Gladstone, MO, Corbin Toney (Breanna Loucks) of Gallatin, MO, Cidnee Toney (Tommy Robinson) of Gallatin, MO, Tatum Griffin (Conner Teel) of Cameron, MO, and William Rogers of Gallatin, MO; great-grandchildren, Tinley, Berk, Elsie, Sawyer, Makenzie, Theo, Hudson, Henslee, Brixton, and Beckett; brother, Mike Toney (Carolyn) of Gallatin, MO; a host of nieces and nephews also survive. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Crab Orchard Cemetery in care of the funeral home. A service celebrating Jack's life will be held at noon, Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Altamont United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 AM at the church before noon services. Friends may call from 10 AM to 5 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Crab Orchard Cemetery, near Gallatin. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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