Howard “Don” Tolley, age 73, of Marion, died Sunday afternoon, March 6, 2016, at Grant Medical Center following a three month illness.
On February 3, 1943, Don was born in Charleston, West Virginia, the oldest of four children of the late Howard McDonald and Mary Eldena (Jividen) Tolley. As a family, they moved to Marion, when Don was a young child.
Following high school, Don enlisted to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Germany.
Upon his honorable discharge, Don returned home to Marion, where he was introduced to his wife to be, Selma Bevan, by one of his family members who was working with her at a restaurant. After a six month courtship they were married on April 16, 1966. They have been by each other’s side for the past forty nine years, and lovingly raised two children: Karl and Karen.
For over thirty two years, Don worked as a salesman for Sears and Robuck in Marion, in most of their departments over his many years there. He retired in 1998.
A sports buff, Don enjoyed watching football and basketball over the years, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes. Also, in his younger days, he enjoyed fishing with his children and grandchildren.
Having a good sense of humor, Don enjoyed teasing his family and friends, which was his way of showing you he cared. He will forever be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.
Don will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Selma Tolley; two children: Karl (Terri) Tolley, and Karen (David) Adamson, all three of Marion; three grandchildren: Kaitlyn Tolley, Justin Adamson, and Tyler Adamson; three great-grandchildren: Clarrity Sheets, Kristen Freeman, and Leah Adamson; a sister, Gena (Bill) Chiles; a sister-in-law, Shirley Tolley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Don was preceded in death by two brothers: Ronnie and Ernie Tolley.
His family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Don’s family and your favorite memories and condolences may be shared with them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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