David August Toland

David A. Toland, age 86, passed away January 19, 2025, at Martin Health Center. Surviving are his wife, Betty (Elizabeth Ann nee Wilson), daughters Susan Sopek (Rich), Brenda Sullivan (Dan), grandchildren Michael and Kelly Sopek, Lexi and Davis Hartweg.
Dave was born October 17, 1938, in Chanute, KS, to Ralph H. and M. Lucile (Seaholm) Toland, and grew up working in his dad’s shop and attending the Swedish Baptist Church. He married his teenage sweetheart Betty, 62 years ago on March 25, 1962.
At age 18, he joined the Navy, attended weekly Reserve meetings during his college years, went to Officer Candidate School (OCS), and got his Navy commission upon graduation from Kansas University while president of his Sigma Pi Fraternity. He spent three years active duty in WESTPAC aboard seven aircraft carriers while serving on the Admiral’s staff as Communication Officer with highest security clearance. He stayed in the Reserves and retired from the Navy after 24 years, having served as Commanding Officer and Executive Officer of Reserve Units in Parsons, KS, and Decatur, IL. He was thrilled to take an Honor Flight at age 80.
After active duty, Dave began his banking career in Chanute, worked five years for State Farm as a Field Claims Representative before transferring to Bloomington/Normal. In 1977, after working in Personnel/Corporate Recruiting, he became President of the State Farm Corporate Credit Union. When he retired from State Farm after 34 years, the SFCCU was the second largest credit union in the nation.
Dave could fix anything mechanical, structural, or electrical, and had tools for every job. He built decks, docks, boats (sailboat, canoe, etc.), and model boats and planes (now in a museum). He could solve problems, whether mathematical, logistical, architectural, short or long term…and could paint without spilling a drop. While he loved traveling to domestic and worldwide destinations, watching his beloved Jayhawks, Cubs and Bears, reading the WSJ, Bob Brinker and Kiplinger Newsletters, his PASSION was sailing – competitive and pleasure, lakes or ocean, alone or with family and friends. His winning regatta trophies filled shelves. He was actively involved with Clinton Lake Sailing Association and served as Commodore and Treasurer several times. He also chartered and captained British Virgin Island yachts with family and friends as crew.
He was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church, Young Men’s Club, Kiwanis, and American Legion, and spent hundreds of hours volunteering at the Midwest Food Bank. He served many years on the Westminster Village Foundation Board and belonged to the Masonic Lodge.
He believed in God, family, honesty, Navy neatness, and the Rule of 72. His stellar work ethic, uncompromised integrity, astute analysis, creative abilities, quiet nature, good humor, traditional values –and honed sailing skills – were traits respected by all. He was a good man…adored husband, father and grandfather…and loyal friend.
Funeral will be at Second Presbyterian Church, Friday, January 24, at 11:00. Visitation at 9:00. Livestream available through Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home.
Memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, Parkinson’s Speak Loud, or Midwest Food Bank.