Rodney Paul Toon

Rodney Paul Toon, long time resident of Alamogordo, passed away peacefully in Las Cruces on Tuesday, January 11th, with his wife of 66 years by his side. 

Rodney was born in Tampa, Florida on November 6, 1932 to Edna and Ted Toon. The family moved to Alamogordo in 1947. Rodney graduated in 1950 from Alamogordo High School. He was always a sports enthusiast. In high school he played football and was on the track team- a proud Tiger! After high school graduation, he attended college at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, graduating with a B.S. Degree in Chemistry in l955.  After graduation from college, Rodney served in the U.S. Army for a short time. He then returned to Alamogordo to work at Holloman Air Force Base for the Energy Management Laboratory. As head chemist, Rodney was given the award of Outstanding Fuels Civilian in 1977, Fuels Civilian of the Year in 1981, Outstanding Fuels Civilian 1982 and USAF, 1982, Outstanding Fuels Civilian. He retired, after 33 years of service, in 1987, as Chief Chemist. 

Rodney married his high school sweetheart, Mildred, in 1955. They were married in the Methodist Church where both were members. Rodney enjoyed his activities with his family possessing a love for fishing, RV/camping, gardening and any activity his two children were involved. Rodney had a great devotion to his Lord and Savior while serving in masonic organizations and in his church, Grace United Methodist.  He became a Master Mason in Sacramento Lodge No. 24 in 1953. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason of the Las Cruces Consistory and a Shriner of Ballet Abyad Temple of Albuquerque. He served on the Rainbow Board for both Rainbow Assemblies and Rainbow Dad many times. Rodney was especially proud of the Rainbow Grand Cross of Color degree awarded to him. He was active in the Order of Eastern Star and served Alamo Chapter No. 11, four terms, as their Worthy Patron. He was elected Grand Sentinel of the Grand Chapter in 1985 and served as Worthy Grand Patron for the State in 1987-1988. Serving this Grand Jurisdiction was one of the greatest thrills of his life. 

At Grace United Methodist, Rodney served as usher, greeter, and served on the SPRC and Admin. Boards. He spent nearly a decade on the communion preparation team and was a faithful worker to the Shared Table Ministry. His Adult Bible Class was especially important to him as he studied the Bible with his closest friends. He was the oldest living member of Grace United Methodist at the time of his passing, 74 years, beginning in 1948. 

Rodney is survived by his wife Mildred of 66 years; his daughter Abbie and husband Gary White of Albuquerque; his son Ross and wife Kim Toon of Frisco, Texas. Four grandchildren; Titus Toon and wife Kate of Friendswood, TX; Nathan White and wife Haley of Gallup, NM; Todd White of Albuquerque; Chuntae Byers and husband Clark of Little Elm, TX. Five great grandchildren; Naomi White, Madison Toon, Mason Toon, Cash Byers, and Clyde Byers. His sister, Sylvia Powers of Las Vegas, Nevada; nephew, Terry Abbey and other nieces and nephews. 
 He was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Edna Toon, his sister Voncille Plumb, and brother Ted Toon. 

A celebration of life will be held at Grace United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 22nd at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery.  

Memorials can be sent to Grace United Methodist Church, 1206 Greenwood Lane, for Shared Table or the Music Ministries.  

The Toon family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel. 

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