Gordon Douglas Toney

Obituary For Gordon Douglas Toney

Brigadier General Gordon Douglas Toney (U.S. Army, Ret.) passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, in Sumner, Washington, at the age of 72.

Born on September 3, 1953, to Leo and Shirley Toney in Council, Idaho, Gordon began his distinguished life of service at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated and was commissioned as a second lieutenant on June 4, 1975.

It was during his early assignment as a Tank Platoon Leader at Fort Carson, Colorado, that Gordon met his future wife, Carolyn. They were married on May 26, 1979, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned more than 46 years. Gordon often said Carolyn was the "love of his life, his soul mate, and best friend".

Brigadier General Toney served in a variety of active duty armor and aviation assignments before joining the Washington Army National Guard in August 1988. He retired from the Army on June 30, 2009, after having dedicated more than three decades to the service of his country.

A highly decorated officer, his awards included the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters), and the Army Commendation Medal, and his recognized skills included Master Army Aviator, Ranger, Air Assault, Pathfinder, and Parachutist badges and tab.

Following his military retirement, Gordon continued to serve his community as Director and, later, member of the Board of Directors for the Washington Youth Academy. There, he mentored young people from all walks of life and shared the merits of academic excellence, responsible citizenship, and service.

Throughout his professional experience, Gordon was motivated by an unwavering sense of duty to his country and community, and although his career was a source of great pride and fulfillment, Gordon's greatest joy was his family. An avid outdoorsman, he cherished all the time they spent together forging new memories of camping, four- wheeling, dirt bike riding, and planning the next memorable family vacation.

Gordon was also known for his love of building and fixing things – from mechanical equipment to a variety of structures at home, including a memorable tree fort and zipline, treasured by his sons. He also fostered a lifelong love for animals, from those he cared for on the farm of his youth to all the beloved dogs that joined his family through the many years.

Gordon is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; their two sons, Justin (Court) and Jake (Rachel); and two grandchildren, Mia and Tucker. He is also survived by his siblings, Linda, Keith, Janet, Bruce, and Gayle. His legacy is one of selfless service, courage, steadfast dedication to his family, and a strong, enduring spirit.

A memorial service will be held on October 2, 2025, at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington, where he will be laid to rest with full military honors.

Donations can be made in Gordon's memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Services

2 Oct

Memorial Service

02:00 PM

Tahoma National Cemetery 18600 SE 240th St Kent, Washington 98042 Get Directions »
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by Obituary Assistant