Rex Alva Toney passed away peacefully at the New Mexico Heart Hospital in Albuquerque, NM, on November 22, 2023, during heart surgery. He was born March 6, 1952, at Hillcrest Hospital in Silver City, NM to the late Marion Dibble Toney Williams and Wayne Clayton Toney “Chink” of Arenas Valley. He was preceded in death by his soulmate, Katherine Elgin.
Rex was a kind and gentle soul with a heart of gold. He was known to literally give the shirt off his back to anyone in need and was always willing to help a stranger. He was a native Grant County New Mexican who loved and served his community his entire life.
As a child, Rex used the Gila Wilderness and Fort Bayard as his playground. Rex had a love of all things mechanical from an early age.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1971, and proudly served until he was honorably discharged in 1973. When he returned home from the service, he went to work for Texas New Mexico Power Company as a Utility Man Equipment Driver and Mechanic. There he forged many lifetime friends before he retired in the late 1990’s.
Once retired, he opened Rex Toney’s Garage and Art Supply, LLC. It was here that his love of all things old and broken could be realized. Rex was a great mechanic who could fix just about anything. Over his lifetime he acquired quite a collection of old cars, trucks, motorcycles, and parts. His sister, Diane, tells how he would send motorcycle parts home while in the military. Upon his return he assembled those parts into a motorcycle he enjoyed for many years. Harley Davidson was his favorite type of bike, though any ride would do. An entire generation of kids, who are now fully grown, looked forward to seeing “Fuzz Mc Buzz” as he was affectionately named, smile and wave as he passed them on Pinos Altos Road flying free.
Rex collected everything. To him if it was old, it was a treasure. Many of the items he collected included mining equipment and antique metal signs which he displayed at his home.
Rex lived in Pinos Altos his entire adult life. He was a volunteer member of the Pinos Altos Fire Department for many years. He acquired the first Pinos Altos Fire Engine from the Socorro Fire Department and housed it in his personal garage before the Pinos Altos Firehouse was built.
One of his greatest passions was mining. Throughout his life he owned many mining claims and spent countless hours mining for silver and gold throughout Southern New Mexico. One of his favorite local mines to explore was the Rose Mine as well as mines in Hillsboro and Chino.
His love of mining took him to Empire Creek near Mayo, Yukon Territory. He had an interest in the Whiteman Nos. mine where he spent months blasting for ore, communing with nature, and panning for gold. Some of his best adventures happened in Yukon. Those who knew Rex well would often talk about how he should have been born in the late 1800’s rather than 1952!
Rex was a storyteller! He would delight everyone with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. His ability to share a tale of his many adventures is something his friends and acquaintances will surely miss.
Though his accomplishments were many, Rex was most proud of his family. Especially his three children. Rex was happiest when attending Toney Family dinners, camping at his cabin with Erin and Wayne and going for long rides with his kids to wherever the road would lead them.
Loved ones that will miss Rex, until they meet again, include his children, Zakariah Amos Toney (Nannette) of Farmington, NM, Wayne William Toney (Megan) of Silver City, NM, and Erin Marie Toney, of Show Low, AZ. His siblings Diane Toney Fenner Roberts (Donny) of Hobbs, NM, Kevin Austin Toney (Annette) and Mark Avery Toney of Arenas Valley, NM. His three grandchildren, two great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved much.
And so, until we meet again, in his own words, “See you later, Pard!”
For those who have known and loved Rex, you are invited to a Celebration of Rex’s Life on Friday, December 8, 2023, from 9 am till 1030 at Terrazas Funeral Chapels, at 1 Fort Bayard Rd, Santa Clara, NM. Additional information about the celebration may be found on Rex’s tribute page at www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .
Rex loved all living things, domestic and wild. So in lieu of flowers please send donations to High Desert Humane Society, 3050 Cougar Way, Silver City, NM 88061.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.