GREENFIELD, MO — Dr. Charles Thomas "Tom" Toler passed away Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, at his home in Greenfield, Mo. Tom was born Feb. 12, 1947, in Lockwood, Mo., the first of four children to Charles Keith Toler and Doris Louise (Erisman) Toler. Tom graduated from Greenfield High School in 1965. He developed a lifelong love of education and sports and was an avid reader. After high school, he went on to attend Missouri State University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in education with an emphasis in math, physical education and military science. Tom also played on the 1966 Missouri State conference championship football team. Through the Army ROTC program, he received a commission as 2nd lieutenant in the US Army specializing in the Adjutant General Corp. The majority of his military career he was stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., as an administrative and personnel officer in the 2nd Psychological Operations Group. Upon returning to Missouri, Tom graduated with a masters degree in education with an emphasis in physical education and a specialist degree in physical education at the University of Central Missouri. He developed his love of sports into a teaching career, first as a graduate assistant in physical education and football at the University of Central Missouri, then as a teacher of physical education and math and coach of football, track, tennis, and other sports, at various Missouri schools. Tom continued his love of learning and received an additional specialist degree in administration from Missouri State University with an emphasis as a secondary principal and superintendent while he practiced these skills as a school administrator at the junior and senior high level. Tom reached the pinnacle of his profession by receiving a doctors degree in education administration from the University of Missouri, Columbia. For 16 years he practiced his profession at various western Missouri schools, becoming known as an authority on the financial, physical and transportation aspects of running a public school system. Tom is preceded in death by his father, Charles Keith Toler; and his sister-in-law, Linda Lee Toler. He is survived by his mother, Doris Louise (Erisman) Toler; and his three siblings, Kenneth Lee Toler, Mary Charlene Toler, and David Lynn Toler and his wife, Shana (Dodd) Toler. Also surviving are his five children, Paul Toler and wife Lisa, Kimberly (Toler) Reece and husband Sonny, Holly (Toler) Mattegat and husband Will, Tomi Lynn Toler and Kathryn Marie Toler. Tom was further blessed with six grandchildren he adored, Celeste, Jacob, Landon, Carly, Alexandra and E.J.; four nieces and nephews; and five great-nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, in Greenfield Funeral Chapel with Pastor Joe Hampton officiating. Burial will follow in Greenfield Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post No. 47, 403 W. College St., Greenfield, MO, 65661. Services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel.