Gilbert Toon
Mr. Toon, 86, of Jackson, died April 26 at his daughter’s home in Jackson. Born in Freehold, he had lived there for 63 years and in Pennsylvania for five years before moving to Jackson. Prior to retiring, he was a painter for Ken Frank, Freehold, and had previously worked as a weaver at the A&M Karagheusian rug mill, also in Freehold. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he transported troops from England to Normandy during the Normandy invasion. He was a former member of American Legion Post 54, Freehold, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Jackson. Surviving are his wife, Annie Wilson Toon; a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Susan Toon of Howell; a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Joseph Dillon of Jackson; three grandsons; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, followed by interment at Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold Township. Memorial donations may be made to Meridian Hospice, 4900 Route 33, Suite 200, Neptune 07753.
Elbert M. Taylor
Mr. Taylor, 87, of Jackson, died April 5 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Born in Manalapan, he had resided there all his life before moving to Jackson four years ago. He attended Rider College (now University) in Lawrenceville and was the proprietor of Taylor & Kincaid Florist in Manalapan for 45 years prior to retiring in 1982. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps. He was a charter member of the Farmingdale First Aid Squad; member of the Manalapan Fire Company, where he served as secretary for 35 years; and charter member and past president of the Farmingdale Kiwanis Club. In addition, he served on the Manalapan-Englishtown Planning Board for 12 years and was president of the Freehold Savings and Loan Association, where he also served on the board of directors for 45 years and as chairman of the board. Surviving are his wife, Virginia (Sue) Taylor; two sons, William H. Taylor of Rowlett, Texas, and Glen R. Taylor of Greeley, Colo.; a daughter, Diane Lykes of Manalapan; a stepdaughter, Robin Schwertfeger of Providence, R.I.; and five grandchildren. A funeral service was held at Freeman Funeral Home, Freehold, followed by interment at Old Tennent Cemetery, Tennent section of Manalapan.
Denis Meagher
Mr. Meagher, 64, of Howell, died April 24 at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was a graduate of St. Francis College in Brooklyn and had lived in Freehold for the past 28 years. He attended Indiana University in Bloomington and Syracuse University in New York while in the military, where from 1961-71 he served as a member of the U.S. Air Force Security Forces. He was employed in the commercial insurance industry in both New York City and Cleveland. Mr. Meagher was a communicant of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, Freehold, and a member of Knights of Columbus Freehold Council No. 1672. A train enthusiast, he enjoyed cooking and cruising the Caribbean. Surviving are his wife, Mary Jo Ryan Meagher; a daughter, Mary Kennedy; a son and daughter-in-law, John and Alicia Meagher; two sisters, Catherine Ann Trancho and Virginia Meagher; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The funeral liturgy was celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, with Higgins Memorial Home, Freehold, in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 19 Schoolhouse Road, Somerset 08873.