Toney, Cleveland Sazon

Decorated Navy Veteran Later Worked At The Post Office

  • Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Cleveland Sazon Toney
Cleveland Sazon Toney

Cleveland Sazon Toney, 76, of Chattanooga, passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at his
residence.

He was a faithful member of Mount Canaan Baptist Church, where he served on the
Deacon Board. He was a member of the American Legion, the National Alliance of Postal &
Federal employees where he served as President.

Cleveland retired from the Navy serving his country with honor and receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. He was honored for his exceptional maintenance skills aboard the USS John Marshall cited by Adm D.C Davis, Commander in Chief of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet. He served on several ships and submarines and was awarded the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Cleveland was later employed and retired from the United States Postal Service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Leticia Toney.

Survivors include his loving wife, Betty Jean Toney; sons James Toney of California, Kevin Toney, and Frank Blackwell; daughters, Tammie Chappell and Jennifer (William) Lansden, both of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Asia Blackwell, Destinee Lansden, Ebone’ Chappell, McKenzie Blackwell, Braijon Toney, DeYonna Lansden, Bryson Toney all of Chattanooga, Kresha Toney, Aaron Toney, Jen’ae Toney, and Sirrese Toney of California; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends.

Cleveland will lie in state on Sunday, January 17, 2021 at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Family service will follow at 3 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Ternae Jordan, Sr. as the eulogist.

Burial is on Monday at 10:30 a.m. in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

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