Anthony Wayne “Toney” Slone, 86, of Ashland, Ohio, passed away on August 9, 2026, at UH Samaritan Medical Center in Ashland.
Toney was born on June 4, 1940 in Lackey, Kentucky, to James and Virginia May Slone and was raised in nearby Garrett, Kentucky. He grew up in a large family with his siblings James Everett, Anna Josephine, Marcella, Imagene, Charles Edward, Donald Ray, Wanda Lee, and Gloria Faye. He graduated from Garrett High School in 1960. His Eastern Kentucky roots remained an important part of who he was throughout his life—and occasionally came through in a pronunciation that provided plenty of good-natured entertainment for his family and friends. Shortly after moving to Ohio in the early 1960s, Toney began what would become a long and successful career with ArcelorMittal in Shelby, Ohio. During his career, he held a variety of positions in manufacturing and Human Resources, first in Shelby and later in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
He continued his own education while working, earning an Associate’s Degree from North Central Technical College and later a BSBA and Master’s Degree from Ashland University. He retired from ArcelorMittal on June 30, 1999. Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down. Toney had a genuine passion for teaching and helping young people develop, and he began a second career as a professor at Elizabethtown Community College. From 2001 through 2026, he taught business and finance courses, sharing not only what he had learned academically, but also the experience and perspective gained during his many years in business. That desire to help others extended well beyond the classroom. Toney believed strongly in community service and gave generously of his time throughout his life. He was very active in Rotary and was twice recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He served as vice president of the Shelby Chamber of Commerce and, through Elizabethtown First Christian Church, was an integral leader of the Elizabethtown Shoe Program, helping provide shoes to children and families in need. Some of Toney’s happiest years were also spent on a baseball field. He coached Little League Baseball for many years and held volunteer management positions with Shelby Little League. A highly successful and competitive coach, he guided numerous teams to league championships and success in Little League tournament play. His years of service to Little League Baseball were recognized in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, home of the Little League World Series.
Toney was married to his wife, Nancy, for more than 50 years. Together they raised four children: Marcella Smith (Rob), Anthony Slone (Susan), Alison Slone (Adam Miller), and Michael Hall (Tamara). His family continued to grow to include eight grandchildren: Taylor Bowers (Brad), Carly Menard (Dan), Hayley Zappa (Michael), Drew Hall, Bailey White (Cole), Macy Fetzer (Bryce), Sam Miller, and Leah Miller; and eight great-grandchildren: Teddy and Cooper Bowers; Carter, Cora, and Cali Fetzer; Bodhi White; and Tre and Vivienne Zappa. He is also survived by his brother, Charles Slone, formerly of Mansfield, Ohio, and now residing in Indiana.
For all Toney accomplished professionally and through his community service, he found his greatest enjoyment in the people around him. He loved spending time with family and friends and was extraordinarily social. He had a tremendous sense of humor and particularly enjoyed teasing those closest to him. His family knew that his slightly ornery side was simply another way Toney showed his affection. He enjoyed working in his yard and landscaping, and even mowing was something he genuinely looked forward to. He remained remarkably active, with daily workouts and swimming at the Brethren Care Wellness Facility. He enjoyed boating and spending time on Lake Erie, traveling with family and friends, and finding ways to stay involved in his community. Toney was also a devoted sports fan. Among the teams closest to his heart were the Elizabethtown High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and the Ashland University football and basketball programs. Above all, Toney’s life was characterized by his relationships with people. Whether he was teaching a student, coaching a young baseball player, helping a family through a community organization, teasing one of his grandchildren, cheering from the stands, or simply enjoying a conversation with a friend, Toney had a natural way of connecting with others.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Toney’s life on Saturday, August 15, at Calvary Baptist Church, 210 Davis Rd., Ashland, OH 44805. Visitation with the family will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 p.m. Together, we will remember and celebrate a life well lived, the many people Toney touched along the way, and the laughter, friendship, love, and memories he leaves with all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to two organizations especially meaningful to Toney: Brethren Care Parkinson’s Support Center, 2140 Center St., Ashland, OH 44805, where the Wellness Center was one of his favorite daily stops for exercise and swimming; or The Christmas Pretties Program at Caney Creek Community Center, 100 Purpose Road, Pippa Passes, KY 41844, a longstanding Appalachian tradition providing Christmas gifts to children in need throughout the region.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com