The son of a mortician, Paul E. Toon grew up learning the family business. As a boy he did small tasks assisting his parents with families and later on was given major responsibilities.
“He learned so much from helping people and providing them with comfort through some of the most difficult times in their lives,” said his daughter Nancy. “He dealt with sickness and death. He developed a genuine interest in others that only became stronger as time went on.”
Mr. Toon, 68, of Lisle, owner of Toon Funeral Homes in Downers Grove and Westmont, died Monday, Oct. 24, in RML Specialty Hospital in Hinsdale of complications related to recent surgery.
Born in Hinsdale, Mr. Toon grew up in Downers Grove, where his late parents, Dewey and Ina, founded Toon Funeral Home on Main Street in 1929. When Mr. Toon was 12, his father died, leaving the business to his mother and uncle.
“He took on a lot more chores after that, helping out whenever he could,” said his daughter.
After graduating from Downers Grove High School, Mr. Toon went on to study business at Eureka College. In the mid-1950s, he became a funeral director and joined the family business.
“There was never any question he would follow in his parents’ footsteps,” said his daughter. “Being a funeral home director was something he had prepared for all his life, and he was very good at it.”
Over the years, Mr. Toon worked diligently to build a reputation in the community based on honesty and trust, family members said.
“He took the time and went to great lengths to provide comfort and support for every family that stepped through his door,” said Jon Dames, manager of Toon Funeral Homes. “He was very compassionate and sensitive.”
Other survivors include his wife, Jerri MacLeod-Toon; two sisters, Barbara McGowan and Betty Roe; two stepdaughters, Sandra Elstner and Bonnie Elsner; and two stepgrandchildren.
Services were held.
