NEW SHARON – Rev. John R. Tolman, Sr., 90, passed peacefully April 13, at his home in New Sharon, with loving family by his side.
Born March 22, 1929, the son of Lester and Villa (Russell) Tolman, he was raised in New Sharon and graduated from New Sharon High School. He went on to earn his B.S. at UMO, M.E. at UMF, and M. Div. at Bangor Theological Seminary. He held various teaching and administrative positions throughout Maine.
He proudly served four years in the United States Air Force.
John enjoyed 64 years of marriage with Jane (Stinson) who lovingly and faithfully served with and cared for him until his release to his heavenly reward.
The small rural churches of Maine are where John chose to impact the world. Rev. Tolman served 60+ years in various churches in Franklin, Oxford, Piscataquis and Somerset counties. He began and ended his ministry at Farmington Falls Union Baptist Church.
He especially enjoyed the simplistic lifestyle of rural living: raising animals; the family garden, and jibber-jabbering with any and all.
His legacy of life and laughter will be carried on by his wife, children John (Beth), Frank (JoHelen), Villa (Clint) Ziemer, and Georgia, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his older sister Carolyn Mason and husband Rodolphus, twin sister Jane Townsend and husband Harold, niece Darlene, and a great-grandson Brandon.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wiles Remembrance Center; Adams-McFarlane Chapel, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington. A celebration of life will be held May 11 at 2 p.m. at the Farmington Falls Union Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Farmington Falls Union Baptist Church c/o June Hovey 145 Waterville Rd. Skowhegan, ME 04976, or to, Shorey Chapel 1109 Industry Rd. Farmington, ME 04938.
A kind word may be left on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com
My thoughts and prayers are with all of John’s family. He has served his parishes well over the years. He was my Pastor for many years. May he rest in peace. He has earned his wings. Fly high with the Angels, John.
To Jane and family, my sincere condolences to all of you. John was a very nice and thoughtful man, he will always live on in the memories. Fly high and proud John you have earned your wings. God speed.
My sincere condolences to the entire family. John is at peace with his eternal father and being well watched over.
To the Tolman family, so sorry for your loss, I will mis visiting with John and having bible discussion with him.
Condolences to you all.
Our condolences to all of Mr. Tolmans family, He was a wonderful listerner and remembered things that others might not. I never saw him when he didn’t have a smile on his face and a kind word. R.I.P. Mr. Tolman, you earned it! Sincerely, Bob&Pam Hyde
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rev. Toleman’ s family. So sorry Georgia, and Beth, and all the family. He touched so many lives. Matt & Becky
When I worked at the Franklin County Jail in the 70’s and 80’s John was the only area clergyman who came on a regular basis to provide whatever service he could to the inmates. He would never say no, even when he probably should have. He listened, counseled and did what he could to help anyone who asked. He was a man of faith, an optimist with a gift of gab and the world is a little poorer without him. Goodbye, John.
My deepest condolences to all of the Tolman family. John was a great man and will be missed by many. I was just speaking of him and you all with Frank. Those who knew him know he had quite a life and touched many other lives along the way.
Our PRAYERS & condolences to Jane and the family. John was a very nice man. Had many a talk with John.
My sincere condolences to John’s family, He was a kind, caring man, He did my husbands service at the cemetery, and though he never met him, he did a very touching service, R.I.P. John..
Such a great man there can’t be many people in this area that he hasn’t affected in one way or another
I’m sorry. to learn of John’s passing. I always enjoyed talking with him. Condolences to family and friends from the Reid Family.
My sincere sympathy to Jane and the Tolman family. John was a man of cheer, faith, love and acceptance. May he be happy and healthy in heaven.
Heartfelt empathy to Jane and family. John will be missed by so many of us. He always had a way of lifting ones spirit whenever and wherever you met him. He was always there for anyone who called. Bless his soul, “a good and faithful servant”.
John was a wonderful fellow and always had a kind word to share with you. I will miss seeing him guarding the booth at the fair!
Condolences to Jane and all Rev. John Tolman’s family.
He will be so missed by so many of us.
Prayers and Hugs.
Jane and family, We are so sorry for your loss! John was a great man, we always enjoyed talking to him. He will be so missed. May he Rest In Peace.
John was a wonderful fixture in New Sharon, I so enjoyed talking politics with him. We saw him at the Farmington fair last fall, looked great. Our condolences to the entire family.
To Jane and family. Im sorry to hear of John’s passing. He has been there for our family when we needed him. Our visits and farming adventures were always a treat. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you go through the celebration of John’s life and service to others.
Our deepest thoughts and prayers to your family.
Dearest Jane and family, My children called me tonight and told me of John’s passing. My oh my , the shouts that went up in heaven when he arrived! He is surrounded by so many people who loved him in life but most of all, I know he is basking in the presence of his blessed Savior. Well done servant! You have earned your rest. From a personal view I will be interested to hear some day what he thought when he got to heaven. When he found out that everybody hugs there! Talk about a life well lived! Sending loving thoughts and prayers for the whole family as you learn to walk this earth without his visible presence. Marnie Voter
Sorry to the family for your loss.
John was always a ray of sunshine. I’m glad I had the privilege of knowing him.
Jane and family, our deepest condolences. It was always a pleasure to chat with John where ever we saw him, he always had a smile and a laugh.
Sincere condolences to Jane and family. I always enjoyed “jibber-jabbering” with John every time I saw him. And visiting while dropping off veggies from the New Sharon community garden was always a treat. I will miss him.
We send our deepest sympathies to Georgia and the rest of the Tolman family. Rev. Tolman lived an outstanding and exemplary life.
I am so very sorry to hear of Johns’ passing. He was a kind and wonderful man. Always a smile. May he rest in peace.
John’s passing leaves so many of us feeling his loss. Few men have influenced their community so profoundly or so long. His Christian love, his humor, and his devoted service to the area will be so missed. Terry and I join in sending love to Jane and Georgia and to all the Tolman family.