Virgil Eugene Toone

Virgil Eugene Toone, 85, of Evansville, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Bethel Rehab Cottage. He was born May 3, 1940 in Hebbardsville, KY to the late Russell Eugene and Mary Buneda (Slaughter) Toone.

Virgil graduated from Henderson City High School in 1958, where he was an accomplished athlete and inducted into their Hall of Fame. He continued his education by earning his Bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University and his Master's degree from Indiana State University. Throughout his career as an educator, he taught at Wheeler Elementary, Hebron Elementary, and retired from Helfrich Park Middle School. Virgil was a member of St. James West Church. He and his wife, Bonnie, were very involved members of the congregation and enjoyed attending church events where they spent time with their special church friends and family. Virgil was also an active member of the R-Men's Club and Big Blue Boosters to support the Reitz Panthers. He cherished the time he got to spend with his family and enjoyed attending the sporting events and extracurricular activities of his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie Sue (Riney) Toone; children, Jennifer Lynn (Curt) Bailey, Brad Alan (Robin) Toone, and Chad Eric (Amy) Toone; grandchildren, Katelynn (Link) Dierks, Mason Bailey, Joanna (Eric) Osterman, Jackson (Kelly) Bailey, Cole (Becca) Toone, Kyle Toone, Audrey (Patrick) Smutzer, Claire Toone, Carly Toone, Nathan (Kiley) Toone, Brayden Toone, and Ty (Emily) Riffert; great grandchildren, Bonnie Kate Dierks, Palmer Osterman, Presley Osterman, Bennett Toone, Brecken Smutzer, Ryder Toone, Trenton Riffert, and Harper Riffert; and his sister, Mary Ruth Toone.

In addition to his parents, Virgil is preceded in death by his sister Marlene Puttman.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Ziemer Funeral Home Central Chapel, 626 First Ave., Evansville. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Reverend Gene Backes, followed by a Committal Service at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James West Church, 3101 Hillcrest Terrace, Evansville, IN 47712.

The family expresses their gratitude to the staff at Bethel Rehab Cottage and Heritage Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of Virgil.