James Stephen (Steve) Toney, Dec. 27, 1942 – April 2, 2024
Longtime Folsom resident Steve Toney passed away peacefully on the evening of April 2, 2024 with his beloved and devoted son, Jeff by his side. He was born in Hollywood, CA to James Clifton and Rosemary Toney, the second born of their three children.
The family moved to Fairfield, CA in 1949 after Steve’s father Clif became publisher of the Solano Republican newspaper. He attended local schools including Armijo High School, graduating in 1961. During his high school years, he was active in Future Farmers of America. He raised sheep and a steer which he took to a competition at the Cow Palace where it was selected Grand Champion. He was very proud of that. He had a lifelong love of animals and had many dogs, cats and birds over the years.
When his father Clif bought the Folsom Telegraph in 1962, Steve moved to Folsom to work at the newspaper in various capacities – ad salesman among others. When lithography became the technology used for printing, he became a master lithographer and even taught classes at Folsom Prison.
He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Johnson, in 1964 and they had two sons, James Jeffrey and Daniel Robert, who passed in 2022. Carolyn passed in 2002. Steve and Carolyn were very active in the Folsom community and participated in many activities and organizations. He was an active member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club for many years. He also served on the Planning Commission during a time when Folsom was rapidly growing. Carolyn was a talented softball player and he coached women’s softball for many years. They were often volunteers at the Folsom 4th of July Rodeo events.
After the sale of the Telegraph in the 70’s, with his knowledge of the Folsom area and his connections, it was a natural transition for him to selling real estate. He worked for Prudential California. After retiring from the real estate business, he worked part time at Target. Once again, his people skills helped him to be a top seller of the Target Red Cards.
For health reasons, he was forced to completely retire. He enjoyed time spent in his garden with his animals, friends and family. He joined the Folsom Oak Hills church and attended services every Sunday. He traveled there in his motorized scooter, which was gifted to him by a church member, with his dog, Mongo, on his lap. In his last few years Steve was in the compassionate care of his eldest son, Jeff.
In addition to his son Jeff, Steve is survived by his sister Rae Anne Stackpole, his brother Dan Toney, and sister-in-law, Kathleen Toney. Steve is survived also by nieces Leigh Stackpole, Julie Thomas, Molly Hollingsworth, and Clare Rubey, and his nephew, Justin Toney, as well as four great nephews in Travis Hall, Henry Thomas, Scout Hollingsworth, Owen Rubey and a great niece, Kathleen Hollingsworth.
The family is comforted knowing Steve will be reunited with the love of his life, Carolyn, and his son Danny.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you consider a donation to help pay for cremation services and related expenses.
A memorial gathering will take place at a future date, yet to be finalized. The Go Fund Me page that has been set up by the family for memorial costs and can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/james-stephen-steve-toney-dec-27-1942-april-2-2024
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