Obituary of Robert W. Toomer, Sr.

Robert Walker Toomer, age 81, died peacefully at the VA Medical Center in Bath, New York on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2021, after a long illness. Robert W. was the 13th child born to James Sr and Mellanese Toomer on October 19, 1940, in Berlin, NJ. He was educated in the Berlin Township school system and attended Edgewood Regional High School. While attending Edgewood he met and eventually married Lucille Ann McIntosh in 1958, during their union the couple was blessed with two daughters (Vanessa and Robin); their son (Robert, Jr.). Following the dissolution of his marriage to Lucille, he begun a long and loving relationship with Ms. Valerie McKinney, the couple was blessed with a son (Tyrone) and a daughter (Mellernese). Robert found it difficult to remain idle too long and was soon off traveling the world once again. During his travel back to Korea he met and married Unsun Kim, the couple returned to the US and settled in Browns Mills, NJ; where they welcomed their daughter, also named Unsun. At the age of 17 Robert enlisted into the army and begun what would become illustrious and successful military career. Toomer (as he became to be known) quickly went through the enlisted ranks earning the rank of Staff Sergeant, E-6. His Military Occupational Specialty Code was Battalion Master Gunner in a combined Arms Battalion of the first Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division; He was responsible for the planning, training, and qualifications of gunnery tasks for hundreds of men. His other Military Occupational Specialty Code (which is one of the most dangerous positions to hold in the army); was to fire on and recover anti-personnel anti-tank mines, locate, and neutralize mines in a live mine field. During his mid-career he moved on to become a drill instructor. His keen sense, razor sharp focus, precision and attention to details helped him to excel while providing his instruction and indoctrination to incoming soldiers. That included teaching them the customs and practices of military life, physical fitness, proper military drill, armed and unarmed training; he instilled discipline and willingness to obey the orders given by superiors. After serving his first tour during the Vietnam war, Staff Sergeant Toomer volunteered for a second tour. Because of his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Expert Infantry Badge for demonstrating exemplary proficiency in infantry skills, the Combat Infantry Badge, which is only afforded to those servicemen who participated in ground combat. During his second tour in Vietnam, while defending against the enemy, Staff Sergeant Toomer was shot and wounded in his leg. For his valiant and brave efforts and extraordinary courage, he was awarded the Purple Heart. After his retirement in 1980, he remained active in the Armed Forces. Those that followed in his footsteps drew inspiration from his commitment, dedication, and sacrifices he made to ensure the protection of our American freedoms. Besides his military career, Staff Sergeant Toomer also enjoyed traveling and was well traveled. He took full advantage of the opportunity afforded to him during his military service and travelled the world at least three times. Physical fitness was also a joy and high on his list of things to do, a lot of his time was spent at the gym and keeping active. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved children: Vanessa M. Toomer, Robin R. Toomer, Robert W. Toomer, Jr., (Crystal), Tyrone R. Toomer, Mellernese L. Wilson (Terrance) and Unsun Murray, 15 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren; his siblings: Althea Dabney, Helen Beverly, Anna Pointer, Agnes Borth (William) and Gilbert Toomer (Doris), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.