My Sincere Condolence to Allen's Wife Beth, Diane his Sister and to his Son Craig.
We all know Allen was the BEST and he touched our lives in ways that will never be forgotten. God Bless!
Patsy Lillis Elsah IL 62028
Allen (Toby) has been my friend since kindergarten. His mother, Virginia, was one of my Cub Scout Den mothers. Allen loved life and he loved people. He never said anything bad about another person nor have I heard another person say anything bad about Toby. He was that kind of a person. Allen taught to me and others what it was to be generous. He would buy us hot dogs at Signal Hill School for 10 cents when we did not have 10 cents. He would buy 25-50 cents of licorice from Ruth's (Poofie's) Confectionary and just give it out to whomever was present until it was gone. Allen always gave all of us his friendship, big smile, big laugh, and warm welcome. I could be gone from Belleville for a decade but Allen and I could pick up our friendship as if we had just seen each other the other day. Most of all, Allen gave all us his heart. We always knew that if we needed something, Toby could be relied upon to be there for us. Thanks(for)giving us God, Allen Craig Toberman. His friendship, big laugh, and memories will always be with us as long as we live. He will also be very much missed on a daily basis. My heart goes out to Beth, Craig, and Diane and everyone else who will surely miss Toby.
Brad Shive
Bradford Shive DeKalb IL 60115
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to everyone else who loved this man. He touched peoples lives in ways that cannot be put into words. Toby was my best friend from the first day of kindergarten at Signal Hill. He was everybody's best friend; that's the way he was. Our memories are long and unforgettable. You will be missed and I wish we could have one more Sunday adventure in your blue 69' SS 396 Chevelle, SHOTGUN!!!! Corky
Charles M. York Godfrey Illinois 62035
Allen has been a friend to my family for as long as I can remember.We always looked forward to seeing Allen when we went out for the evening in Belleville. You could always count on a hug and big smile welcoming you.
Dear Allen may you rest in peace. You will be forever remembered with Love.
My condolences to Beth,Craig,Diane and Family.
Chris Lillis
Christine Lillis Belleville IL 62226
SO SORRY FOR HIS DEATH. WORKED WITH ALLEN AND HIS FAMILY FOR 26 YEARS IN ST.LOUIS,EST.LOUIS,AND MASCOUTAH, AND ENJOYED EVERY DAY WORKING WITH HIM AND ALL THE TOBERMAN FAMILY.SO MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE AND SON AND REST OF THE FAMILY.
Mary Lou Hatley DUPO ILL 62239
Beth, Craig, and Diane, YOu are all in my thoughts. Allen was the most generous and loving person I have ever known. He did not know a stranger and when he met someone new they instantly became a friend. His passing leaves a tremedous void in our hearts and around Belleville in general. Tears of joy are shed when thinking of how Allen lived life to its fullest..... xoxoxo
Anne Koleson O'Fallon IL 62269
Beth and Family: I am saddened beyond words at this news. Please know you are in our prayers. I will always remember our great business discussions and nonsense that would have us both laughing out loud no matter what mood when we started. He was the best.
Mark Fletcher
Mark Fletcher St Louis Missouri 63129
AT68 member of the Antique House Hall of Fame. Allen was one of my friends of Ole. Never forget all the good times we had. So saddened to hear of his passing. Bless his family & all those he left. I know he will be missed by all those that knew him.
Kevin Sarkisian Lake Forest California 92630
how all of us in the grain trade loved Allen alwas a very nice guy he called andy at the merchants ex andy the dandy andy would reply allen the gallon how we will miss him
bud ridings greenville Ill 62246
ALLEN WAS ONE OF THE NICEST GUYS I HAVE EVER MET. HE WAS ALWAYS VERY KIND. I WILL MISS HIS PHONE CALLS. HE WAS ALWAYS UPBEAT. HE WAS ALWAYS SO VERY PROUD OF HIS FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS ALLEN.
STEVE McPEAK BELLEVILLE ILLINOIS 62223
Beth,Craig,Diane,Ryan,Patrick,and Family
Allen and I met playing Basketball. Big rivalry between Signal Hill and Emge Grade School.We were around 10 yrs old in 5th Grade. We played Khoury League,High School basketball,Antique House Softball,Buddy Burumba Basketball. I have gone Fishing,Hunting, with him till the flames were coming out of the end of the barrels of the shotguns in Fillmore. Gone on numerous vacations with his family and mine. Allen was in my Wedding. Allen is the "GREATEST MAN" I have ever know!!!! He was so perfect in so many ways of being MY LIFE LONG FRIEND! He taught me how to treat other people! Diane and me were Guests of him at the Milling and Grain Christmas Party at the MAC one year. We were trying to get a Drink and it took awhile. Allen said "Watch this"! He gave the Waitress a folded up $5.00 Bill and cupped in his hand and gave it them. We didn't have to get up and go get anything the rest of the night. Next year that we went I did it on my own and the same kind of Service. So I tried it at other Restaurants you can get some Great Service that way! He had a GIFT to Communicate him and Diane! He would HUG YOU AND HAVE THAT BIG SMILE OF HIS. He would almost always say "YOUR THE BEST"! Well Allen "YOUR THE GREATEST"!!! It is REALLY HARD to write about him and the Fun we had together. Go to the Stockyards on Goose Hill and Get some Pig Snoots and drink a few cold ones when we were in High School. 2006 after the Cardinals won the World Series in the New Stadium we all stayed at the MAC. We were looking out on Washington Ave and all the people driving around. Finally there were so many cars it was all jammed up. So were on about the 8th Floor and he says "Anybody want to go down to the street with me" so he goes by himself. He goes and strikes up a conversation with some of the people sitting in a car in the street.He never met a stranger. The next thing you know he whips out a Cardinal Rally flag from his back pocket from the Ball Game. He started that little Jig that he does and running around the car and waving the Rally Flag. Everybody including myself almost fell down from laughing so hard. ALLEN - (THANKS FOR GIVING) us all that truly knew you all of the GREATEST TIMES when we were together. When you were with him he wanted everybody to have a good time together and laugh and have fun. That was ALLEN'S PLEASURE to see everybody have a good time. His face would light up when that would happen. You would try and give him some money and he wouldn't take it a lot of the time. I would stick it in his back pocket and run off and he would catch up with you and give it back. THERE IS GOING TO BE A VOID IN A LOT OF PEOPLES HEARTS! HE IS LOVED BY SO MMMAAAANNNNYYYY PEOPLE! I am going to cherish everything that I learned from HIM and HIS Family for the Rest of my LIFE.
He can RESTA now. As he would say. He is in a Better place now and he is getting things ready for all the rest of us so when we get there we can all have fun with him AGAIN.
My DEEPEST SYMPATHY goes out to Beth,Craig,Diane,Ryan,Patrick,and all the rest of the Family, and everybody that knew this "GREAT MAN"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ALLEN I AM GOING TO MISS YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU !!!!!!!!
GLUCK GLUCK GLUCK
Ron "CHICO" Wetzel
Ronald Wetzel Waterloo Illinois 62298
I met Allen several years ago through a mutual friend Alan Begole. I was having a rough time with my health and was about to have heart surgery. I was extremely worried about the up coming event to take place the following week when Alan suggested I drive out to Lebanon and have lunch with his friend Allen. As it turned out Allen had just gone through the exact same proceedure at the same hospital with the same doctor I was about to undergo. Allen was kind enough, even though he did not know me, to meet with me for lunch and as it turned out stay there with me for the better part of 3 hours and walk me through every detail of the upcoming week. He was not only kind and giving of his time and his compassion but was a wonderful source of information and comfort to me in my time of need. I made it through my surgery and continued to meet with Allen every 6 months to a year to discuss our progress and just sit back and discuss our other mutual interest basketball. I would just like to thank his wife and family for sharing him with us and express to them the sincere heartfelt thank you to them for the kindness Allen expressed to a complete stranger and the warmth, compassion, and strenth he showed me in my hour of need. Thank you again and rest in peace my friend. I am stronger for having know you.
Jeremy Rosenstengel Belleville IL 62220
Our deepest sympathy to all of Allen's family and friends. He coached my son Bryan's baseball team, and made it very enjoyable for the players, as well as the parents! He always made the boys feel special. We will all miss his "warm" smile. So, take care.
The Wayne Scher Family Belleville Illinois 62223
To the family of Allen Toberman:
I just learned of Allen's death while up in Chicago and no possibility of getting back to Southwestern Illinois for his funeral. I knew Allen thru his place of business, Lebanon Grain Elevator. My parents are farmers in the Lebanon area. He has worked with them for many years and they always appreciated his honesty, integrity, and easy going demeanor. He always treated them very courteously and professionally...and with a great deal of respect and compassion. He also made many contributions to the Lebanon community whenever possible. I knew him from occasional visits to his office where we would visit about local area sports and sports figures that we both knew. I pass on my condolences to his family and I want them to know that I appreciate what he did for our family farm business as well as the community of Lebanon in general. He will be missed.
Sincerely, Craig Virgin
Craig Virgin Lebanon IL 62254
Whether you called him Family or Friend, Allen Toberman was one of a kind. I called him Cousin, and I loved him! I never saw him without a big 'ole smile on his face. I never met him without getting a big 'ole hug! He ALWAYS made me laugh. He had one the biggest hearts of anyone I've ever known. He never met a stranger. That wonderful, magnetic personality just came naturally to Allen, and he shared it with everyone, all the time, because he just simply loved people ... and everyone loved Allen right back! Thanks, Allen, for being YOU. You stole all our hearts and have decorated our lives with Love and Laughter and living Life to its fullest all these years. How do we say "Thank you", and how do we say "Good-bye"? ....
Joy McClure Bingham IL 62011
Dear Beth and Craig,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Everyone that I have spoken to about Allen has the exact same thing to say. "What a great guy" he always had a huge smile and that twinkle in his eyes and a hug for everyone. Something tells me that his wife and son had alot to do with his demeanor and attitude about life. Thinking of you in this difficult time and keeping you in our prayers. The Blakes
Ed & Irene Blake & Family Belleville ILLINOIS 62223
Dear Beth & Craig
There are NO words = HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED. I have known Allen "TobY" from the grain business from the early 80's. I don't know a kinder person than Toby - he always had that beautiful smile on his face. The last time I saw him - I would of never known he was sick and he was. What a loss for all of us and expecially you and your family. He adored you and was very proud you were his wife. My God bless you with the strength to go on and make him proud.
Beth, that is what he would want. It will take time and he will never be forgotten in our hearts. Mary Ann Bogner
Mary Ann Bogner DENVER CO 80231
Every member of my family was touched very deeply by Allen. He was my Dad's best friend and it didn't take long for him to become mine. I learned so much from him and feel so lucky for that. He did everything together with my Dad and I was lucky enough to be in on a lot of it - hunting, tennis, golf, cooking, eating, drinking Coors Light, playing euchre, going to Cardinal games, laughing - you know, the funnest parts of life. And luckily we were close enough for my daughter to experience his love when he came over to my parents house on Sundays. He loved my Dad's ribs!
He was Santa Claus. Bringing Natalie $2 dollar bills, one for every year of her birthday.
It hurts me greatly that my two boys will not get to experience him. I just picture him playing with Jack and Jack laughing hysterically. I wish I kept the lucky silver dollar, the $2 dollar bills for my birthday, and the lucky buckeye. I couldn't have enough lasting memories of Allen. He left us early. If I knew this was going to happen, I would have followed him and written a book for a year prior to now. I would then have a manual on how to live. How to make people feel good. How to cheer someone up. How to have fun. How to know what to always say! And, most importantly, how to LOVE. What Would Allen Do? I hope we all take a page from this book. He had the X-factor. Ole Tobe was a Pro!
If I could sum up Allen with one sentence, it would read "Allen always knew what to say, knew what to do, and he was the greatest guy ever." No doubt about it and I loved every part of him. There wasn't a part not to love.
Santa Claus, a Friend, an Uncle, a Brother, a Father and a Husband has died. My condolences to every one who was touched by him, my Dad, Don, Billy, Robo, Daddy O to name just a few, his cousin Dave, his nephews Ryan and Patrick, his sister Di Di, his son Craig, and his lovely wife Beth.
We LOVE ALL of you and we LOVE Allen greatly,
Justin, Kim, Natalie, Jack, and Konnor Siegel
Justin Siegel Fairview Heights Illinois 62208
Beth, Diane and families,
My deepest condolences. Like many, I have also known Allen since Signal Hill grade school. Allen was one of the most polite, kind and gentle men I have ever met. We had some great times growing up and when I think of him I will always smile.
Debbie Irvin
Debbie Irvin Nashville IL 62263
I met Allen at the meeting of the Signal Hill UMC Pastor Parish Relations Committe where my wife and I were warmly received. Allen was supportive of me as their new pastor and always had a joyful and positive attitude. He was always immaculately dressed, did not wear his oxygen equipment in church--apparently to not distract or concern other worshipers. We will miss his genuine regard for his church, people and life he enjoyed.
Blessings and peace to his family and all who grieve for him. Surely, we are comforted by the faith that Allen is now where joy knows no end.
Rev. James N. Wheeler Belleville IL 62223
will always remember his permanent smile
rich sauget
This is a very sad Day having our good friend Allen Toberman leave us. He was a fantastic guy, always had time for everyone. Allen and I have known each other since Junior High and became good friends in High School and after. I have lived in Texas for 35 years and came back into town a couple of times a year where I would visit with Allen. Even after several years, he would pick it up just like it was yesterday. In recent years, we started having some reunion type get togethers with people from our class and other friends. Allen had a big part in organizing these events. Oh yes, got to ride in the 69 SS Chevelle as well
sweet!!!. Gods Blessing to Beth, Diane, Craig and family. I am very sorry that we could not make it.
Doug and Carmen Davis
Doug and Carmen Davis Missouri City Texas 77459
To the Toberman family, I am sorry to hear of your loss and extend my deepest sympathies. I got to know Allen during my years working at Oak Hill Tennis Club. When working, he would enter the club, see me, and in his booming voice say, BIG JOE and smile. Always nice, always happy and always willing to help, Allen you were one of a kind, in the best way possible. May GOD Bless! Joe Hayden
Joseph Belleville IL 62220
Beth, Craig, and Family,
We were deeply saddened by Allen's death. Even though we didn't know him very well, a million others did. Your loss is unmeasurable and his time was too short, but look at all those lives he touched. We want you to know we are here for you Beth, and know that so many others care about you and Craig as well. We hope the little we could do by just being there and helping with the food meant as much to you and your family as it did to us to be able to help you in some way. We love you.
Bill and Cindy Evans
Cindy Evans Swansea IL 62226
Every member of my family was touched very deeply by Allen. He was my Dad's best friend and it didn't take long for him to become mine. I learned so much from him and feel so lucky for that. He did everything together with my Dad and I was lucky enough to be in on a lot of it - hunting, tennis, golf, cooking, eating, drinking Coors Light, playing euchre, going to Cardinal games, laughing - you know, the funnest parts of life. And luckily we were close enough for my daughter to experience his love when he came over to my parents house on Sundays. He loved my Dad's ribs!
He was Santa Claus. Bringing Natalie $2 dollar bills, one for every year of her birthday.
It hurts me greatly that my two boys will not get to experience him. I just picture him playing with Jack and Jack laughing hysterically. I wish I kept the lucky silver dollar, the $2 dollar bills for my birthday, and the lucky buckeye. I couldn't have enough lasting memories of Allen. He left us early. If I knew this was going to happen, I would have followed him and written a book for a year prior to now. I would then have a manual on how to live. How to make people feel good. How to cheer someone up. How to have fun. How to know what to always say! And, most importantly, how to LOVE. What Would Allen Do? I hope we all take a page from this book. He had the X-factor. Ole Tobe was a Pro!
If I could sum up Allen with one sentence, it would read "Allen always knew what to say, knew what to do, and he was the greatest guy ever." No doubt about it and I loved every part of him. There wasn't a part not to love.
Santa Claus, a Friend, an Uncle, a Brother, a Father and a Husband has died. My condolences to every one who was touched by him, my Dad, Don, Billy, Robo, Daddy O to name just a few, his cousin Dave, his nephews Ryan and Patrick, his sister Di Di, his son Craig, and his lovely wife Beth.
We LOVE ALL of you and we LOVE Allen greatly,
Justin, Kim, Natalie, Jack, and Konnor Siegel
Justin Siegel Fairview Heights Illinois 62208
I graduated from BTHS West with Alan. I did not know him very well during high school, however, during our single years after high school we would see each other aroung town and got to know each other. I was always glad to see him at our reunions. Living in Lebanon, I aksi saw him aroung town. He always had a big smile and a hug whenever we met. That smile of his was always infectious and even a little mischievious. I am very proud to say that I considered him my FRIEND. He will be missed by everyone. My condolences to the Toberman Family.
Clarice Kuch nee Raisler Lebanon Illinois 62254
Beth and Craig:I`m so sorry for your loss.Allen was the real deal.He was always upbeat and happy.I will miss his smile.Allen made anyone he knew,feel like they were his good friend.I met Allen through some tennis friends.Allen was always fun to play tennis with.He just enjoyed life,friends,and family.Allen will be greatly missed.Chuck Gulash
Chuck Gulash Belleville IL 62220