John Ray Toomey

John Ray Toomey, 94 of Youngwood died comfortably and peacefully on Christmas Eve at Redstone Highlands.  He was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on March 20, 1930, to the late John H. and Francis E. Toomey.  He was raised in Mississippi and then in Oregon where he was a graduate of Gilchrist High School and went on to join the U.S. Navy. John was a proud veteran, and a skilled Aircraft Mechanic stationed out of Memphis, Atlantic City, and Norfolk.  He eventually settled in western Pennsylvania marrying Hazel Irene Gongaware from Penn,  and together they lovingly raised their three sons settling in Youngwood for the next 67 years together until her death in 2018.  John was an active and vibrant man throughout his entire life and always held a strong faith, walking daily in Christ.  He worked at PPG Industries for 37 years as a maintenance mechanic and was a faithful member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Youngwood since 1954. He loved to travel and embrace the local culture, whether he was traveling to his favorite beaches Myrtle and Cocoa Beaches, hunting deer and caribou in Canada, or hitting the links with his Golf League at Robertshaw Acres; with John you were sure to have the greatest experience. He was a man who believed in hard work, and led his life with humility and perseverance, and set the standard as an exceptional Father and Grandfather.  His daily presence will be deeply missed by his surviving sons Keith E. Toomey (Beverly) of Youngwood, John W. Toomey (Janet) of Greensburg, and Douglas R Toomey (Emilie) of Eugene, Oregon; grandchildren, Erin Liefeld (Benjamin), Adam Toomey (Holley), Isabelle Cajka (Isaac), Katie Toomey, John Hooft Toomey, Ebba Hooft Toomey, Olivia Toomey, and Sofie Hooft Toomey; five great-grandchildren Adeline, Sebastian, Beckett, Flint, and Hector; siblings Peggy Calson of Oregon, Gene Toomey of California, Lynda Bisbee of Arizona and Thomas Toomey of Montana; and girlfriend Ruth Peffer of Youngwood.  In addition to his parents John H, Francis E, Dolores(stepmother) and wife Irene, John was met in heaven by his siblings Betty Wagner and Tony Toomey.  Please join us to honor John’s life with a visitation on Thursday January 2, 2025, from 5 to 8 pm at ASHLEY D. X. NYE CREMATION CARE & FUNERAL HOME INC. 408 Depot St. Youngwood.  Funeral Liturgy will be at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Youngwood on Friday January 3, 2025 at 10 am with Pastor Peter Nordby presiding followed by interment at Youngwood Cemetery with military honors.  Please go directly to church Friday . In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in John’s honor .  To leave an online condolence or share a memory of John please visit www.nyefuneralhome.com.

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