Laverne "Togg" Pilling

LaVerne Zean Pilling, one of three children of Ruth Adaline (Long) and William Harvey Pilling, was born on January 15, 1919 on the family farm east of Macedonia, Iowa. Fondly known as "Togg", he grew up in the "Donie" area and graduated from Macedonia High School in 1938. Following school, Togg operated the Pilling Service Station in Macedonia for 35 years. He also worked the United States Post Office as a substitute rural mail carrier for 28 years and drove a school bus for several years before he retired in 1987.

Laverne and Lavonne Faye "Bonnie" Plumb were united in marriage on June 12, 1940 Council Bluffs, Iowa. They made their home in Macedonia and their marriage was blessed with three children, Nancy, Hubert and Don.

Togg was a member of the Macedonia United Methodist Church and a 50 year member of the Coral Masonic Lodge. He served on the Macedonia Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years and was the last of the charter members. Togg also served on the Macedonia City Council and the Macedonia Cemetery Board for several years.

In 2001, Togg and Bonnie were the Grand Marshalls in the "Donie Days" Parade. They enjoyed traveling to California every winter and made one trip to Hawaii. They enjoyed attending many of their children's activities and grandchildren's events. They loved spending time with their family.

In 2011, due to declining health, Togg entered the Oakland Manor where the staff took very good care of him for ten months. Togg passed away at the Manor on February 27, 2012, at the age of 93 years, 1 month, and 12 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Margaret Noel and husband Lawrence; and brother Doyle Pilling.

Togg is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Bonnie Pilling of Macedonia; daughter Nancy Griffin of Centralia, MO; sons, Hubert Pilling and wife Jacquie of Yukon, OK, and Don Pilling and wife Carol of Denison, IA; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; sister-in-law Marilynn Pilling of Carson, IA; other relatives; and many friends.

A memorial fund has been established.