Walter Tokarz

Walter P. Tokarz, a longtime resident of Jacksonville, FL passed away on October 26, 2016. Walter left this world to meet his Lord and to once again see the love of his life, Sarah “Sally” Horton Tokarz, his wife of 54 years (deceased 1998).

Walter was born July 6, 1923 in Taunton, MA to John and Mary Tokarz. He grew up and graduated from high school as a star basketball player in Putnam. After high school, he served in the U. S. Coast Guard during WWII aboard the USS Woonsocket. Walter married Sally in 1944 and moved to Jacksonville in 1945 where both his daughters were born. While raising his family, he attended night school on the G. I. Bill and graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration.

Walter continued his career with the United States government in the Civil Service Department with the Department of the Navy. His career would continue for 42 years – serving at both Mayport Naval Base and the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville. He retired as a Management Analysis Officer and was fondly remembered as “Mr. T” by his coworkers.

Walter’s faith was very important to him. He and Sarah were both long-time members of Lake Forest Baptist Church. After moving to Mandarin in the 198’s, they joined Mandarin Baptist Church. Walter served as both Deacon and Sunday School teacher at both churches. He lived a life of gentleness, love and kindness. His generosity and love were shown to many throughout his life.

Walter loved sports – particularly golf. He would always love to teach anyone the game of golf. Most of all, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports in school. He would attend as many activities as possible when someone he loved was involved. You could always count on his support and we all adored seeing his smiling face! His daughters have fond memories of their annual summer trip with their parents to New England to visit family.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory two daughters, Mary “Sue” Eason (Jim) of Jacksonville and Janice “Jan” Redden (Claudia) of Atlantic Beach; granddaughter, Pamela Kirkpatrick (Mike Bisaha) of Pompano Beach, FL; grandson, William “Bill” Redden (Amber) of St. Johns, FL; four great grandchildren: Ashley Cochran, Amber Cochran, Taylor Redden and Tyler Redden; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Oaklawn Cemetery on October 31, 2016.