Anthony J. “Toney” Meska, past Chief of Liberty Volunteer Fire Department, passed away on July 3, 2008. He was 83.

He was born Aug. 26, 1924 in Dundee, Wis.

On August 2, 1947 he married Marion Jeanne Meiu who survives in Liberty Twp., having celebrated over 60 years of marriage.

Toney has three daughters, Darlene (George) Lute of Portage, Connie (Keith) Clinton of Valparaiso, Terry (William) Boy of Valparaiso; a sister, Selma Kazlauski of Valparaiso and was preceded in death by sister, Frances Bumbale of Chicago; six grandchildren, Jennifer Lute of Trail Creek, Amy DeVries of Portage, Cindy Mullins of Nebraska, Dr. Robynne Lute of Eureka, Calif., William “Billy” Boy of Indianapolis, and Jodie Boy of Valparaiso and four great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Zachary Mullins, Jada Walton and Megan DeVries.

Toney resided on a farm in Liberty Township, Meska Road, since 1926.Toney was a farmer for over 80 years, graduated from Liberty Township High School class of 1942, drove school bus for 35 years for Liberty and Valparaiso, worked maintenance for Hotel Lembke and the Porter County Sheriff’s Department.

He was one of the founders and past Chief of Liberty Volunteer Fire Department, head of night security for the Porter County Fair for over 40 years, football and basketball security for Chesterton High School for 30 years and security for the tractor steam show, lifetime deputy sheriff, lifetime member of the NRA and Hoosier Farmer. He was past owner of Liberty Gun Club, member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, Northwest Indiana Coho Club, Valparaiso city champ bowler and area bowling and horseshoe leagues.

A funeral was at noon Monday, July 7 from Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, to St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, for 12:30 funeral mass, Fr. Joseph Pawlowski officiating, with interment following at Calumet Park Cemetery.

MoellerFuneralHome.com

Posted 7/7/2008