By Greg Miley, Staff Writer of Speakin Out News
Family and friends gathered at the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann Veterans Home on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mr. Ivan Toney, Sr., a native of Madison County, Alabama and a World War II veteran. Mr. Toney’s birthday was February 3. A program was held inside the Veterans Home Main Dining Room from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Presentations were made by Madison County District Six Commissioner Violet Edwards, Lee High School Junior ROTC, Triana Historical Society, the Delta Omega Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc,. North Alabama Veterans Fraternal Organization Coalition (NAVFOC), and the Buffalo Soldiers 10th Calvary Reenactment group. Ms. Betty Williams served as the Mistress of Ceremony, invocation was given by Chaplain George Baker, a member of NAVFOC. Mr. Toney gave remarks and thanks to those in attendance. After the program a drive-by was held in front of the Veterans Home from 3:00-4:00 p.m., Mr. Toney warmly greeted all who drove by and two Buffalo Soldiers reenactors who were on horseback. A native of Madison County, Mr. Toney spent most of his life in the Triana, Alabama area. His wife of 77 years, Mrs. Mattie Toney passed in 2018 at the age of 93. Their children are Mahalia Warner, Ivan, Toney Jr., Harris Lee Toney, Catherine Toney, Pearlie Jones and Michael Toney. After serving the U. S. Army in World War II, Mr. Toney worked at Redstone Arsenal until his retirement. A present resident of the Tut Fann Veterans Home, Mr. Toney is blessed to reach the century mark. The Triana Historical Society sponsored the event, in cooperation with Mr. Toney’s family and the Tut Fann Veterans Home.