Major James H. Toner, "slipped the surly bonds of earth" on April 20 to spend eternity with his mother Catherine, father Harry, and brothers Harry Jr. and Bill.

Survived by his wife of 63 years, Evelyn; daughter, Sandi; son, Mark; son, Geof; five sisters; a brother; six grandchildren; and a great grandchild.

He was 83.

Born in Worthington and raised in Butler, Major Toner attended St. Paul's Catholic School and was a 1940 graduate of Butler High School.

He owned and operated Toner's Market on the "Island" from 1956 to 1962. In 1963, he relocated his family to Sacramento, Calif. In 1983, he retired from the Sacramento County Hospital and UC Med Center as director, facilities engineering.

Major Toner enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December 1941 and received his commission and pilot's wings in June 1943. He flew 48 B-17 heavy bomber missions, including five over the infamous Ploesti oil fields. He also flew relief missions into Berlin during the 1948-49 airlift.

Major Toner made aeronautical history in 1947 when he "piloted" the first completely automatic transcontinental flight with a heavy cargo plane.

Among his decorations are two Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals and the French Croix De Guerre.

He retired after 14 years of service in December 1955.

He loved his family, friends and pets and was known by all for his quick smile, relentless gift of gab and engaging charm. His was a memorable and meaningful life. He will never be forgotten.

<B>TONER</B> — A memorial service and interment for Major James H. Toner will take place at 11:30 a.m. May 20 at Calvary Cemetery Chapel, 1004 N. Main St.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/tribute.