Thomas "Tom" Edward Toney

Thomas “Tom” Edward Toney, 81, of Piedmont, MO, passed away Sunday, April 24, 2022, at his home. He was born in Arcadia, MO, November 21, 1940, to parents Richard Thornton and Freda Louise (White) Toney.  

Tom was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He married the beautiful love of his life, Ramona Hurst, on November 3, 1967, and they were blessed with three daughters. He obtained Eagle Scout and Silver Explorer with the Boy Scouts of America. He proudly served our country in the United States Coast Guard from 1959 to 1965, obtaining the rank of EM-2 and served on four vessels.  

Tom went to college at the University of Missouri where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. During the summer months he worked for the USFWS in Waterfowl. In 1968, he moved to the Missouri Department of Conservation as the Missouri Prairie Biologist, retiring in 1998. Through his career he won the Nature Conservatory, Missouri Prairie Foundation and Missouri Natural Areas Awards of the year. He also received the Native Plant Pioneer award and was granted a Lifetime Conservation Partner Permit by the Missouri Dept of Conservation. Tom was a bright inspiration to the community.  

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife Ramona of forty-nine years and her daughter, Cherryl McGraw; brothers: Richard Toney, Donald Toney; sisters: Mary Mabury and Delores Cobbler. 

Tom is survived by his children: Vanessa of Junction City, OR, Monica of Hollywood, CA, and Dana of Houston, TX; grandchildren: Kelly Spann and her husband Todd, Joel Korte and wife Brittany, McKinsey, Tyler and Shannon Jordan; Slayde and twins Joseph and Shylan Sutton; and great-grandchildren, Kyle, Kinley, and Kane Spann, and twins Colton and Addison Korte; and nephew, Michael Toney and wife Debbie. Tom will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the community. 

Visitation will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Masonic Cemetery, Piedmont. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 pm, also at the Masonic Cemetery with full military honors. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

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