John James Tonyes, 88, of Anderson, passed away Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at Ascension St. Vincent Anderson following an extended illness.

He was born on Sept. 17, 1933, in Milroy, Indiana, to Cortus Tonyes and Catherine (Graham) Tonyes.

John graduated from Lapel High School in 1951.

He retired from Indiana Operating Engineers. John formerly owned and operated several businesses in Anderson including, Tonyes Excavating, HomeFoamers Insulation and Tonyes Cycle.

After retirement, John moved to Lakeland, Florida where he enjoyed camping, fishing and antique car restoration.

John served his country in the United States Navy. He served as a Yeoman in the Korean War on the ATA 210 USS Telfair.

John was involved with many different organizations and memberships, including: past master of Mount Moriah Lodge 77 F&AM; where he was a 50-year member, past grand marshal of the Indiana Grand Lodge, noble of Mystic Shrine, commander of desert patrol parade unit, a member of the Anderson Chapter Order of Eastern Star, on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Masonic Home, a honorary member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor, and a member of the Indianapolis Scottish and York Rite.

He is survived by his wife, Carol (Elkins) Tonyes; two sons, Mike (Debbie) Tonyes of Pendleton, Brad (Stephanie) Tonyes of Indianapolis; two stepdaughters, Diana (Paul) Haskins of Knox, and Donna Patterson of Anderson; grandchildren, Scott (Amanda) Safford and Kelli (Jonathan) Mirgeaux; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Safford, Cooper Safford, Miles Mirgeaux and Cora Mirgeaux; nine stepgrandchildren; and several stepgreat-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and stepdaughter, Debra Shuck.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, at Hersberger-Bozell Funeral Home, 1010 N. Main St., Lapel. Masonic rites will be held by Mount Moriah Lodge 77 F&AM. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery where military rites will be performed by the Lapel American Legion, Post 212.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Online condolences: www.hersbergerbozell.com.