Stanley Toney

Stanley (Stan) Clarence Toney

Stan Toney was born on June 17, 1934, to Clarence and Mary (Bradbury) Toney in Chelsea, Michigan. He left this earth peacefully on October 23, 2023, with his family by his side, to be with our Lord and Savior.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joan M. Toney, his parents, stepfather Lewis Haselswerdt, brother Robert L. (Carolyn) Toney and stepsister Janet Bovee.

He is survived by his sons; Scott (Louella) Toney and Randall (Koren) Toney, and seven grandchildren: Chad (Miya), Kameron, Kiera, Jim (Samantha), Josh (Deanna), David (Tara), and Ryan (Chelsia), twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his long-time loving companion and significant other, Patrica Lenz.

Stan lived his life following “Duty, Honor, Country”, and served his God, his country, his family, and so many other people. Stan was a man of honor and integrity and he loved and lived life to the fullest. He was a joy to everyone’s life that he touched, and his laugh was contagious. Stan had a huge heart – always happy and filled with love, joy, and kindness. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and volunteered in many capacities; including Sertoma (Service to Mankind) Club and delivery for Meals on Wheels to shut-in seniors, many with whom he developed close relationships.  

Stan attended a one room school through 8^th grade, Chelsea High School, and graduated high school from St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield, WI in 1952. He attended the University of Michigan for two years, until receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY in 1954. Upon graduation in June 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force (USAF). On June 21, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart and first love, Joan Margaret Mast of Dexter, MI.

Stan served our country in the USAF for over 21 years and moved his family to 21 different addresses. After pilot training at Big Spring TX, his primary duty stations included Homestead AFB, FL; Lincoln AFB, NE; Blytheville AFB, AR; and Offutt AFB, NE. He was deployed to Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller during 1968-1969. From 1969 to 1976, while at Offutt AFB, Stan served in many functions including Chief of Data Processing Central Support Section, and Chief of Force Support Branch, leading the integration effort during transition to the Force Management Information System.

Stan was a lifetime member of the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal order of pilots. By the end of his exemplary military career, Stan had accumulated over 3,200 hours of flying, including over 560 combat hours, retiring in 1979, as Lt. Colonel. During his military service Stan received numerous decorations and awards, most notably, the: Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Combat Readiness Medal.

Following his retirement from the USAF, Stan was employed by the University of Denver, Denver Research Institute; and later worked for Martin Marrietta until 1996 as a lead test engineer specializing in development, testing, and operation of computer hardware and software, including ground-based satellite control systems. In addition, Stan worked for several years on the Army’s All Source Analysis System, conducted System Integration Tests at Ft Hood, TX, and testing of satellite systems for the Air Force Missile Defense System at Falcon Air Base near Colorado Springs.

Among Stan’s many hobbies and pastimes were playing bridge and golf with his partner and wife Joan; participating in horse clubs and Scouts with his young sons; and, later, traveling with Joan.  After Joan’s death in 1992 and then his civilian retirement, Stan kept busy attending West Point reunions with his A-2 Company classmates, and spending time with his sons, grandchildren and particularly with the second love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Lenz. He also grew to know and love her entire family. During their time together, Stan was included in family gatherings and accompanied Pat on family trips throughout the world – Alaska, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and their respective hometowns of Chelsea, MI and Latrobe, PA.

Stan was an organ, tissue and eye donor and wished that his remains be cremated and then interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO on November 22nd at 1:30pm. A memorial service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village, CO on November 3rd at 3:00pm followed by reception.

Horan and McConaty Funeral Service has been entrusted with our loved one. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society.