Mike W. Toana

With deep sorrow I announce the passing of my brother, Mike, into eternal life. He was 61 years of age and had fought a courageous battle with cancer for over four years. He passed away peacefully, with family at his side, in the early evening hours of February 8, 2025. 

Mike was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1963 to proud parents George M. Toana and Lily Sandra (Lane) Toana. His first few years were spent growing up on the East side of Indianapolis. In the summer of 1972, our parents moved the family to Speedway, Indiana. While attending Speedway High School, Mike was a member of the Tennis team, the Wrestling Team, and participated in Student Theater as the Stage Manager for several productions. After graduating from SHS in 1981, Mike attended IUPUI earning an Associates Degree in Mechanical Drafting Design Technology.  During Mike's college years, our father passed away after a 14 month fight with lung cancer. With a quiet strength at only 21 years old, Mike stepped into the role of the head of our family. 

He began his career at CAD/CAM Engineering in 1985 as a CAD designer/Project Manager. In 1993 he was hired by Thomson Consumer Electronics and worked there as a Senior Drafting Designer for nearly 13 years. In 2006 he became a contract employee for Allison Transmission. Mike was hired on as a direct employee in 2008 and spent the remainder of his career as a Senior CAD Designer for Allison Transmission. His co-workers have described Mike as a loyal, hardworking, meticulous and thorough employee. The team at ATI has been incredibly supportive of Mike and our family over these last few difficult years. 

In his free time, Mike enjoyed playing in the Allison golf league. He spent many weekends watching professional golf tournaments on tv. He was a lifelong fan of the Indy 500 and enjoyed attending the race, and other IMS racing events, with family and friends. Above everything, he enjoyed getting together with family to visit, play cards, and reminisce about times shared in the past. 

Those who knew and loved him will remember Mike as a thoughtful, kind, and reserved man with a generous spirit. He was grateful and continued to exude a positive attitude, even throughout the most difficult days of his illness. His sharp wit, excellent advice and his caring soul are so greatly missed. 

Mike was preceded in death by his father, George M. Toana; his mother, Lily Sandra (Lane) Toana; his grandparents, Madge E. (Neighbors) Lane, John W. Lane, Marin S. Toana, Zenovia V. (Rogozia) Toana Potcova, and Simeon Potcova. He is survived by a sister, Marina L. Toana; Aunts, Margo E. (Lane) Ames and Deborah J. (Lane) Lepper; an Uncle, John E. Lane; and numerous cousins and their families. 

Our family would like to thank Dr. Nabil Adra and the wonderful staff at IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center for the exceptional care that Mike received during his illness. In addition, the staff at IU Hospital West and IU Hospice provided amazing care and support in his final days. To the nurses and staff of Life’s Journey Hospice who cared for Mike and our family in his final hours……thank you for your compassion and care.  

Please join us as we celebrate Mike’s life. Visitation will be from 4 – 8 pm Friday, March 7th, and Saturday, March 8th from 12 – 1 pm; funeral service will begin at 1 pm at Flanner & Buchanan- Speedway at 2950 N. High School Road in Indianapolis, followed by burial at Floral Park Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family of Mike Toana requests donations be made to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center for Genitourinary Cancer Research and Education. Please make memorial gifts payable to IU Foundation/Genitourinary Cancer Research and Education. Please indicate “In memory of Mike Toana” on your gift. Mail to: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207. Gifts can also be made online at https://go.iu.edu/8sBu.