John J. Tolan

John was born May 17, 1918 in Springfield, the son of J. Garrett and Marie Longworth Tolan. He married Mary B. Nudo on November 21, 1949 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield.

John Tolan was a master breeder of multiple breeds of horses and cattle, but will likely be best remembered for his influence on the Angus Cattle business. Here he was taught well by his father, J. Garrett Tolan, a true visionary and pioneer of the breed and superlative bloodlines. Garrett was a past President of the American Angus Association and an inductee into the national Cattlemen's Hall of Fame. John was Garrett's right hand man, business partner and best friend. Possibly their most noteworthy collaboration was setting a World Record at auction.

After the passing of his parents, John established John J. Tolan Farms. He served several terms as Director of the American Angus Association. Although he received many national honors, he was proudest of being voted by his peers the number 1 Breeder/Judge of Angus Cattle in the nation, four consecutive years. He judged and exhibited champions at nearly every top tier Angus show in North America. John also had a tremendous passion for horses and show ponies. Here he exhibited World and National champions with countless breeds and raced Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds for decades.

He was married nearly sixty years to Mary, the love of his life and the backbone of his business. He worked seven days a week well into his 80's and loved livestock, his family, and friends. Blessed with a brilliant wit and love of life, this authentic American cowboy will be greatly missed.

Preceding John in death are his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Tolan of Springfield; his children, Jan (husband, Ed) Gvazdinskas of Springfield; John T. (wife, Robin) Tolan of Glenwood Springs, CO, Jess (wife, Dona) Tolan of Denver, CO, T. Troy (wife, Mary) Tolan of Pleasant Plains, and Rina (husband, Rick) Daniel of Freeburg; nine grandchildren, Matt, John, and Mark Gvazdinskas, and Liz, Jack, Maggie, Hannah, Hayley and Scarlett Tolan; great-grandson, Eli Gvazdinskas; his sister, Sarah Tolan Spitzer of Pleasant Plains and her children, Karen and Greg.

Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home.

Private family burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, 2408 W. Heading Ave., West Peoria, IL 61604 or Memorial Hospice Home Services, 720 N. Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702.