Dale John Toft

Dale John Toft, aged 94 of Fairborn, OH, passed away, Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Our Home Senior Living in Fairborn, OH, where he held the title of “honorary mayor” for many years. He was born on June 17th, 1932, to Alvin and Marian (Zaviska) Toft in Ida Township, Minnesota.

He was raised on a farm with his 6 siblings. He was baptized on July 8, 1932, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN and later confirmed on July 14th, 1946, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Garfield, MN.

Dale was ranked Airman First Class in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Clinton County Air Force Base, Wilmington, OH.

He served 5 years of active duty, then entered the reserves and began his civil service career as an airplane mechanic. In 1988, he retired from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 4950th Test Wing.

Dale was acting Commander of Ohio Amvets Post #444 in Fairborn for 3 years. He was a proud, lifelong member of both the Amvets and American Legion. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and was a member of the Cardinals Motorcycle Club, participating in many local parades and poker runs for charity. He loved to watch his sons and grandson drag race Oldsmobiles at Kilkare Raceway in Xenia. He enjoyed playing Euchre and Bingo.

In addition to his parents, Dale is preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Schwartz; brother, Merlin "Curly" Toft; sister, LaJune Hausken; son, Kevin "Spindley" Toft; and son-in-law, James "Bud" Carr.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; brother, James Toft; sisters, Ruby Pantze, Janice (John) Limbert; daughter, Valerie Carr; son, John (Karen) Toft; grandchildren, Andrea Carr, Austin (Jill) Carr, Eric (Jessica) Toft, Shannon (Ayodeji) Kayode, Brittany Toft, Katelyn Carr; and 9 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruth Schwartz, brother Merlin "Curly" Toft, sister LaJune Hausken, and son Kevin "Spindley" Toft.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM, NOON, Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn, OH, 45324. The family will receive visitors from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Burial with military honors to follow at Byron Cemetery, Fairborn, OH. Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, Fairborn, OH.