Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 2, 2017 at the United Church of Christ in Springfield. Burial will be held at the Springfield Cemetery, with military honors. Visitation will be at the church Monday from 12: 30 to the time of service. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of the arrangements.

Thomas Merle Toyne, son of Arthur Burton and Gwendoline Irene (Frost) Toyne, was born December 11, 1921 at Adaza, IA. He died under hospice care Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Majestic Bluffs/Sister James Care Center in Yankton. Merle attained the age of 95 years, nine months and 17 days.

Merle graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1939. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from June 15, 1942 to February 23, 1946. Merle attende Iowa State at Ames for two years and then the University of Missouri, where he received his Agriculture degree. He then taught a Veteran's Agriculture Class in Iowa and later in South Dakota.

Merle married Eleanor Thomas on November 25, 1955 at her parents' home in rural Springfield. Two children were blessed to their home. Together they farmed throughout their marriage at Windy West and the Perkins farm. They retired in 2000 and moved to the Roy and Jana Jelsma farm on Airport Road, all in the rural Springfield area.

Merle was a member of the UCC, where he served on numerous boards; Farm Bureau and the Dwight Wood American Legion Post. Farming was his "hobby". He loved raising hogs, stock cows and feeder cattle and growing crops. Due to failing health, he entered the Sister James Care Center on September 6, 2017.

Thankful for having shared his life are his wife Eleanor of Yankton; daughter Beth Schneider of Huron; son James and wife Payla of Yankton; three grandsons: Matthew Schneider, Jesse and Tyler Toyne; one brother Arthur Burton Toyne of Jefferson, IA; and in-laws: Neil and Doris Thomas of Springfield; and Alicia Thomas (Judy O'Donoghue) of Mesa, AZ; and many nieces,nephews, relatives and friends.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Jon Schneider; grandson, Jason Michael Schneider; six sisters: Vera (Albert "Bud") Johnston, Mildred (Clark)Hendrick, Irma (William) Davenport, Myrtle Aileen (George) Gerdes , Patricia (Dean) Henrichs and Mavis (Frank) Morriss; parents-in-law, Sampson and LadieThomas; and in-laws: David and Helen Thomas and Clark and Neva Thomas.