Toby passed away peacefully on September 12, 2021 at 74 years of age with his wife by his side.
He was known by many names, not one of which was Elmer. He was Sluggo to his siblings and everyone in Tennessee, Toby to many who loved him and everyone in Indiana, Dad to his kids, Grandpa and Toto to his grandchildren, and Great Grandpa too.
Toby was at his happiest when he was baking a pie (his oatmeal chocolate and caramel pies are practically famous!), making creme brulee, or his from scratch brownies, playing a game of cards, watching and laughing along with his favorite show Andy Griffith and piddling in his garden. He love going on cruises with family. Toby was the monopoly champion of the world (family lore has it that he never lost a game), a die hard Tennessee Volunteers fan, and was never at a loss for a joke to tell, it seemed like he had an endless amount.
Toby never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. The stories he would tell about his life were always animated and, occasionally, maybe even a bit embellished. He had a special way of making everyone feel welcome. His determination and attitude dealing with many health obstacles was inspiring to many.
In his youth, he was an Eagle Scout.
He worked for his father’s business for many years before moving to Evansville to work for A&H Truck Lines (later ANR Advance Transportation) for almost 25 years. He then went to work at, and retired from, the City of Evansville Levee Authority.
Toby is preceded in death by his mother, Mildred, his father, Elmer (Toby) Sr., his sister Kaye Rock and brother Andy Fleming.
Toby was the most caring, generous, and loving husband to the love of his life, his wife of 27 years, Jill, who survives him. He is also survived by children, both biological and chosen, Hank (Lisa) Fleming, Lisa (Robert) Clark, Tom (Karen) Fleming, Adam (Heather) Fleming, Heidi (Toby) Gentry, James “Clint” Fleming, Dwight (Kristen) Guynn and Wayne (Katrina) Guynn as well as 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Also surviving are siblings: Jo (Larry) Byrd, Donna Swaffer, Vicki (Doug) Freeman, Mike Fleming, David (Cathy) Fleming and Kelly Brown as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by his cats, Sam and especially by Cindy.
Simple Cremation Evansville is handling the arrangements.
A Celebration of Life PARTY will be held at a later date.
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