Willie Toles

Willie E. Toles, 94, of Lebanon, IL, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2021, at Cedar Ridge Nursing Home in Lebanon, IL.

Willie was born February 16, 1927, to Elmer and Irene (nee Cooper) Toles, in Blackjack, IL. He married Mary Frances “Mae” Williams on November 20, 1975.

He lived his whole life in the Lebanon area, locally known as “Lebanon’s Uncle”.  He was a hard worker, with his first job being at East Side Casting in E. St. Louis, IL.  For many years he worked as a farmer, and in transportation, driving trucks.  After he “retired”, he worked part-time as a custodian for the City of Lebanon.

Willie was a man of deep faith and a Deacon at the Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL.  He was ordained at Second Baptist Church, Blackjack, before it moved and became Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.  He was the oldest living Deacon at his church.  Willie’s hobby was helping others; spending most of his free time doing what he could for anyone who asked and giving countless rides to people to go to the store, doctor’s appointments, or church.  He had many friends in the community who affectionately called him “Uncle Willie”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Irene Toles; wife, Mary Frances "Mae" Toles; brother, Louis Toles.

He survived by his nephew Roscoe Toles; niece Jackie (Marcus) White; nephew, Howard (Carolyn) Thomas; and a host of other nephews, nieces, community members and church friends.

Visitation: Tuesday, January 4, 2022, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, at Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL

Funeral Service:  Tuesday, January 4, 2022, 11:00 am, Greater Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Lebanon, IL

Clergy: Rev. Dr. W. J. Griffin, Pastor

Interment:  College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.