TONNING Robert William Tonning Jr. passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 8, 2004. A man devoted to God, his family, his country and this community, Tonning was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 20, 1915 to the late Robert William and Dorathea Hibsch Tonning. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Railway Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1937. Like his father, Tonning pursued a career in railroading that would include service on the New York Central, Atlantic Coast Line, and Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Companies. He retired as General Shop Superintendent of the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad in 1980. His remarkable career in railroading was paralleled by an outstanding military career. Called to active duty during World War II, Tonning served in the Persian Gulf with the Army Transportation Corps, and was responsible for the medical supply trains operated by the Trans Iranian Railroad traveling from Iran to Russia. He later served with the US Army Rail D ivision at the Pentagon, and was responsible for the United States Army Hospital Trains transporting injured troops returning from the war. He was called to active duty during the war in Viet Nam to inspect the railroads of South Viet Nam for the United States Government. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medals, and numerous service and campaign ribbons. As a reserve officer, Tonning was promoted to the rank of Colonel. Perhaps the most unique aspect of his life was the ability to weave community service into a seemingly impossible calendar of activity. He served as National Vice Chairman of the American Red Cross, President of the Waycross-Ware County United Way, Director, President and Chairman of the Waycross YMCA, Chairman of the Waycross-Ware Technical School Advisory Committee (now Okefenokee Technical College), Commissioner of the Southeast Georgia Area Planning and Development Commission, Georgia Representative on Multi-State Transportation Sy stem Advisory Board, Trustee of the Georgia Municipal Employee Retirement Fund, Waycross-Ware County Bi-Racial Committee, Waycross-Ware County Development Authority, Vice President American Heart Association, Past President Okefenokee Area Council Boy Scouts, Rotary Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Retired Officer's Association, American Legion, Military Order of World Wars, Knights of Columbus, and Elks Lodge. He was twice awarded the Kiwanian Miller Medal for Community Service and received the Morris Jacobson Brotherhood Award. Tonning served as a City Commissioner for 8 years and served 2 terms as Mayor of Waycross. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church serving for many years on the Finance Committee, and on the long term planning committee for construction of the new church. Tonning was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Robert F. Tonning, a granddaughter, Starla M. Tonning, and a sister, Dorothy T. Skelton. His wife, Anne J. Tonnin g, two daughters, Barbara T. Miller and her husband Robert S. Miller of Waycross, and Elizabeth T. Dixon, and her husband Harry D. (Donnie) Dixon Jr. of Savannah, and four sons, Barry W. Tonning, and his wife Kimberly B. Tonning of Mt. Sterling, KY, Julian E. Tonning CDR (Ret.), and his wife Michelle H. Tonning of Holland, MI, Russell W. Tonning of Albany, GA, and Joseph M. Tonning MD of Washington, DC, survives him. A sister, Mildred T. Tonning of Memphis, TN, 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and other relatives also survive him. A Mass of the Resurrection to celebrate the life of Robert W. Tonning Jr. will be held on Friday, June 11, 2004 at 11:00 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waycross, GA. A Rosary Service and visitation will take place on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at Music Funeral Home. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are with Music Funeral Home. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com