Rev. Leonard T. Tolle

Rev. Leonard Tolle, age 91 of Aline, passed away Tuesday March 24, 2015, at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Lawton. Leonard Theodore Tolle was born June 9, 1923 in Vici, OK, the oldest of 4 children born to George Theodore Tolle and Viola May (Wion) Tolle. He attended school in the Cheyenne Valley west of Fairview. In his last year of high school, his family moved to Seiling. Leonard stayed with his grandparents, later graduating from Seiling High School. He joined the United States Army and served his country proudly during World War II. While overseas, he was stationed in Central Europe with the 220th Armored Engineer Battalion, where he constructed bridges, trestles and other wooden structures. Leonard received many citations and decorations including the World War II Victory Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the EAME Theater Ribbon and Two Bronze Service Stars. Leonard married Pauline McCray and to this union, 2 sons, Stanley and Steven were born. At this time, Leonard worked as a farm laborer and a machinist and mechanic for Kerns Machine Shop in Aline. When the boys were still teens, Pauline preceded him in death. After nearly 20 years at Kerns, he began working as a mechanic for Alfalfa County. He later married Joan (Wallenstein) McCray and became a father to her children, daughters, Pam, Phyllis and Paula and son, Gary, and two families now became one. It wasn't long before the twins, Peggy and Greg joined the Tolle family. Leonard felt a tug on his heart, and he answered the call to serve the Lord in the United Methodist Church. Alongside Joan, Leonard served in many towns throughout Oklahoma including Hammond and Butler, Hitchcock and Homestead, Tipton and Manitou, Edgewood and Dow, Nardin and Deer Creek, Eufaula and Canadian and Turpin and Baker. His heart was always back in Aline though, the place where it all started. Leonard was instrumental in building the United Methodist Church there and fondly recalled his time with that community. He loved the Lord and served faithfully, and shared this love with his children and grandchildren, living by example and leaving a strong legacy. He was a simple and frugal man, kind and soft hearted. He enjoyed a good visit and never missed an opportunity to play cards with his family. He loved the Aline community and served in many capacities, even serving as Mayor. Leonard was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, brother, uncle and a true friend. He will be dearly missed! He is preceded in death by: His wives, Pauline Tolle and Joan Tolle; His parents, George and Viola Tolle; Two sisters, Zelma Gratner and infant, Elnora May Tolle and His brother, Albert Tolle. Leonard leaves behind: His children, Sons, Stan Tolle of Watonga, Steven Tolle and wife Stefanie of Hudson, New York, Gary McCray and wife Leslie of Broken Arrow, Dr. Greg Tolle and wife Hadley of Duncan, Daughters, Pam McEachern of Sand Springs, Phyllis Culliver and husband Bryan of Elk City, Paula Appleton and husband Marty of Alva and Peggy Revercomb and husband Kyle of Weatherford, TX; 18 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 30, 2015, at the Aline United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Aline Star Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Oklahoma United Methodist Church Circle of Care, 1501 N.W. 24th, STE # 214, Oklahoma City, OK, 73106. Send online condolences at wilsonlittle.com.

Rev. Leonard T. Tolle

June 9, 1923 - March 24, 2015