Joseph A. Toth

JOSEPH A. TOTH, 94, slipped into his eternal life July 2, 2019.  Joe was currently residing at Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center in Walsenburg CO.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, wife Jeanne, and son Jerry.  Joe leaves behind his daughters, Nancy Toth, of La Junta, and Cathy (Bruce) Smith, of Las Vegas NV; daughter-in-law, Sandra (Jerry) Toth, of Maryland;  grandsons, Jason (Brenna) Gacnik, of Pueblo, Joey (Karen) Gacnik, of La Junta, Paul (Laura) Toth and Jay Toth of Pueblo, as well as four great-grandchildren.  Joe is also survived by his long-time friend Ralph (MJ) Hatton of Pueblo, and Sam Haun and Wayne Cunningham of Walsenburg.

 Joe was born in Newburgh NY August 5, 1924 to Christina and Alex Toth.  At the age of 19, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and became a B-17 Tailgunner during WWII.  He was assigned to the 8^th Air Force, 457^th Bombardment Group, 751^st Squadron at Glatton Air Base in England and flew 32 missions over German occupied territory in Germany and France.  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for “distinguishing himself in support of operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement in an aerial battle.”  Other awards include the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Good Conduct Medal and the French Legion of Honour Medal. 

After discharge from service Joe worked many years in his auto repair business, then as maintenance service manager at Pepsi Cola and retired from Hertz Corporation as Zone Maintenance Manager in Las Vegas NV and Denver CO.  Joe also worked at the former Pueblo Army Depot.

Joe was a devoted family man.   In his later years he accepted Jesus as his Savior and Lord, attending First Baptist Church of Peaceful Valley in Fountain and then Antioch Baptist Church in Pueblo until he had to move to the VA home.  Joe loved his church and his church family and leaves many friends there.

The family wishes to give heartfelt thanks to the staff at the VA home in Walsenburg for the loving care they showed to Joe and to Nancy during his months there.  Sangre de Cristo Hospice also helped make his last days comfortable and peaceful.

A celebration of Joe’s ‘home-going’ will take place at Antioch Baptist Church 3220 West Pueblo Blvd, on Saturday July 13 at 11:00 am with Pastor Ken Black officiating and military honors by the Pueblo Veterans Ritual Team.  Joe wished to be cremated and to have his ashes inurned at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.