Nov. 7, 1950 - Nov. 18, 2017 OKLAHOMA CITY Dr. Stan Toler, pastor, author, leadership expert, denominational leader, and devoted family man, passed from this earthly life to life eternal with his Lord and Savior on Nov. 18, 2017. Born on Nov. 7, 1950, in Welch, WV and raised in Ohio, he overcame many challenges early in life. In college, he was mentored by great leaders, and this, along with his deep faith, inspired him to go on to earn multiple degrees in higher education, see growth and success as a pastor and church planter, serve as an executive for John Maxwell's INJOY Ministries, and establish a worldwide reputation for leadership training. He was called to preach at an early age, and, over the span of 53 years in ministry, he preached nearly 15,000 sermons, speaking to over 200 denominations and groups in all 50 states and in 80 countries around the world. In 2009, he was elected a General Superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene and in 2013, was honored with G.S. Emeritus status. Dr. Toler wrote over 100 books that have sold over 3 million copies. He loved gospel music and recorded multiple projects, including with his brothers, performing across the USA as the Toler Brothers. The last several years, he pursued his passion for leadership training through his nonprofit ministry, Toler Leadership International. He was preceded in death by his father, William Aaron Toler; and is survived by his mother, Loretta, and stepfather, Jack Hollingsworth; his wife of 44 years, Linda; two sons, Seth (Marcy) and Adam (Amanda); and five beloved grandchildren, Rhett, Davis, Wren, Clara Jane, and Bennett; also his brothers, Dr. Terry Toler (Sue) and Dr. Mark Hollingsworth (Mary), and their families. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, at 2 p.m. at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene at 6789 N.W. 39th Expy. in Bethany, OK. The family wants to express their deep gratitude to the medical staff of the Stephenson Cancer Center and the OU Medical Center, where Stan received the highest standard of care possible. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation or expression of sympathy be sent to Toler Leadership International, P.O. Box 720230, Oklahoma City, OK 73172. To read the full obit, please visit mercer-adams.com mercer-adams.com

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Published by Oklahoman on Nov. 26, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for STAN TOLER

6 Entries

February 19, 2018

Went to high school with Stan and have many fond memories of his smile and sense of humor. He was quite inspirational even back then. My very best to his family...
Cheryl Robinson Driesen

Robert Hendrix

February 6, 2018

I went to high school with Stan at Northland, and we all found him to be an amazing leader so we elected him the school's first class president. I will never forget him. Rest in Peace dear friend. Bob Hendrix

Ron and Beverly Jones

December 5, 2017

We were saddened to learn on this past Sunday of Dr. Toler's passing. We are so thankful for having had the opportunity to hear him speak at a recent Work and Witness Retreat in Columbus, Ohio. He seemed to have a huge passions for missions. We wish the family hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. With Deepest Sympathy

Elmer Towns

November 22, 2017

Good morning,

I just heard that Stan went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 18. Stan was a great friend of mine and was greatly used of God. I am so sad that Stan is gone, but the same time I rejoice that he is with his Lord, because physically he had been struggling with cancer.

I first met Stan when I visited John Maxwell's church in Lancaster Ohio and Stan was the bus pastor with John Maxwell, and the church doubled in attendance and reach many people to Christ. Next, I preach for Stan Toler in a church south of Lawrenceville Ohio. It was a church running about 1000, the first of his four mega-churches that he pastor. Second, Stan began a church in Florida that also became a mega church. Third, Stan pastor a huge church in Nashville Tennessee, and fourth he came to Oklahoma City to pastor another great church. I don't know of any other pastor who has pastor four different mega-churches in his lifetime. Stan Toler was uniquely gifted of God and use greatly by God.

I am sorry I will not be able to attend the funeral. I pray that God would continue to use his influence around the world.

Stan and I did several books together. These were published by the Nazarene publishing house and other publishers. It was a privilege to work with him.

We also conducted many conferences together in many cities. Too many of them to begin to list. He was a great pastor, a great communicator, but most of all a great Christian gentleman.

I praise God for what he accomplished in life. Stan's life and ministry reflects Revelation 14:13, Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says a spirit they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work, or their good deeds will follow them. Three things about Stan Toler, first of all he died in the Lord, second he is blessed because of all of his hard work of serving Jesus Christ in third is good deeds will follow him.

Dan Young

November 21, 2017

I was saddened to hear about Stan's passing. I have great memories of our time together at Circleville Bible College (Ohio Christian University). He was a true disciple and witness for Christ. I look forward to seeing him because of the grace of God in both our lives.
May God comfort his wife and family with the hope he preached and lived out in his life here. The best is yet to come.

Becky Fenton

November 21, 2017

Pastor Stan was one of my favorite people and pastors of all time. He truly cared and could deliver a message like no other. He helped officiate in mine and my late husband's wedding, and will always hold a special place in my heart. Love and prayers to all of the family.

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