Neil was born July 3, 1969, in Pierre, South Dakota, the youngest of five children born to Robert and Kathleen (Merkle) Tolton. He grew up on the ranch 17 miles north of Midland and received his education at Midland.
He was united in marriage to Tammy Jean Lesmeister on June 30, 1995 in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. They made their home on the family ranch north of Midland and from this union were born four sons Thomas, Robert, Samuel, and Matthew.
Neil loved anything to do with ranching. He could rattle off memories of cattle, precip, or occasions without hesitation. He knew how much snow we had in ’97, when the last time the dam was full, how big the calf was last year out of that cow, and especially loved to rope. Robert’s arena, roping with friends, and traveling to team ropings really meant the world to him. Many wonderful memories were shared with Neil and the life he made with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife Tammy; four sons Thomas Tolton of Baltimore, Maryland, Robert, Samuel, and Matthew Tolton of Midland; his mother Kathleen Tolton of Midland; two sisters Cindy Koehler and her husband Mike of Midland, and Wendy Standiford of Pierre; two brothers Tim Tolton of Big Piney, Wyoming, and Gordon Tolton and his wife Bonnie of Mitchell, Oregon; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Neil was preceded in death by his father, Robert Tolton, on February 23, 1984; his paternal grandparents Roy and Ellen Tolton; and his maternal grandparents Oscar and Helen Merkle.
In accordance with Neil’s wishes he requested a private funeral service for the immediate family.
The family invites everyone to a gathering at the ranch north of Midland from 3-5 p.m. CDT on Monday, April 8.
Guest Book
To the Tolton family, my heart felt sympathy. Keep the good memories and May God's comfort and love be ever present through family and friends. My prayers are with you all and May Neil rest in peace.
~ Glenda Nemec
Bristol SD (4/3/2019)
Tammy, boys & all Neil's family, our hearts and prayers are with you tonight and in the days ahead. May you know that God is holding you in the palm of His mighty hand.
~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland
Philip, SD (4/3/2019)
Kathy, Cindy, Wendy, Tim and all of Neil's family. Sorry to hear this news, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Charlie Vollmer
Puyallup, WA (4/3/2019)
So sorry to hear of the passing of Neil. God bless you and your family.
~ Suzy Gregg
(Photos To Go) (4/3/2019)
My wife and I want to send many prayers and condolences to his family and Friends. He is, was an always will be known and remembered as a genuine God Fearin Family Man. May he Rest In Piece. He's riding the ranges in the sky watching over all his family and friends. Neil, you will be greatly missed.
~ Kevin Hockenbary
Belle Fourche SD (4/3/2019)
My sincere sympathies to the Tolton Families in a great loss. It was so nice when I was able to see and speak with Neil last June while in Midland. RIP my friend!!
~ Barry Hunt
Battle Mountain, NV. (4/3/2019)
So glad I got to see Neil a week ago. Thoughts and prayers to all of Neil's family. Rest in peace always.
~ Tyra Austin
Pierre, South Dakota (4/4/2019)
So sorry for your lost Tammy.
~ Rusty Glover
San Saba, Texas (4/4/2019)
So sorry to hear about Neil....we had a lot of fun roping with him through the years and our kids have great memories with him coming and roping here....Rest in Peace our friend...
~ Jodie and Scot OBryan
Belvidere 57521 (4/7/2019)
Will be greatly missed!!
~ Stanley/Victoria Reimann
Sundance, Wy (4/3/2019)
To Neil's family, Sending my thoughts and prayers to all you. I pray that you will be given peace and have memories of good times to see you through this sad time.
~ Marcia Jackson
Spearfish (4/7/2019)
We are so sorry for your loss. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers
~ Nathan and Erin Nemec
Houston Texas (4/4/2019)
I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for you all.
~ Kathy Larson LaDue
Anamosa, IA (4/3/2019)
My heart is with you, Tammy
~ Day Breitag
Pierre (4/4/2019)
So sorry for your loss
~ Lana Bonhorst Carroll
Pierre (4/3/2019)
Tim, sorry to hear about your brother. our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!!
~ Craig Moore
Gold Canyon, Az. (4/4/2019)
Our thoughts and prayers to all the family. May God be with you in the days and weeks ahead.
~ Cheryl Ferguson/Gunner Hook
Kadoka (4/4/2019)
I am so sad to hear the loss of a great guy. He will be missed by many. Thinking of his family.
~ Kathleen Carlson
Kadoka (4/3/2019)
Our hearts go out to you all
~ Mark and Kris Sammons
Sturgis, SD (4/3/2019)
Kathy and family; so sorry to hear about Neil. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Carla and Greg Krugjohn
Sturgis, S.D. (4/10/2019)
I was very sorry to hear about Neil. I knew him years ago. He was a fun person with a great sense of humor. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Lisa Schofield
Pierre (4/8/2019)
South Dakota
~ Lory Walker
Kadoka (4/3/2019)
Kathy and Family- We are so sorry for your loss. May God hold you all close during this very difficult time. Neil was a good friend our brother, Travis, and I know how much he thought of him. Keep all the good memories in your heart. That is something no one can take away. You are all in our prayers.
~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin
Midland (4/3/2019)
My prayers for the family are sent with heartfelt sorrow. Sending love to all of his family.
~ Judy Kieffer
Bossier City Louisiana (4/3/2019)
Dear Kathy; So sorry to hear of the loss of your son,Neil. We never got to know him, but have heard nothing but good things about him. We are so very sorry . With love and prayers, our thoughts are with you and all of your family.
~ Leo and Betty Nemec
International Falls, Mn (4/3/2019)
Tammy we are so so sorry for your loss. Neil was a great Man and a very hard worker he will be missed.
~ Jerome Ottenbacher
Aberdeen (4/3/2019)
Tammy and boys,
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of Neil.
~ Lori Kelly/ Dace Kelly
Philip,SD (4/10/2019)
Sorry for your loss
~ Mark and Carolyn Krogman
Quinn, SD (4/3/2019)