Dr. H. Gene Toot

The Reverend Dr. H. Gene Toot, of East Liverpool, former pastor of Trinity United Presbyterian Church, former director of the East Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, avid sports fan, dedicated father, and all-around good man, died Monday evening, Nov. 17, 2025, at the Orchards of East Liverpool Rehab Suites. He was 96 years old.

Gene was born in 1929 in Dellroy, Ohio, the oldest son of Bray and Mildred (Davy) Toot. His family included his younger siblings, Carl Toot and Marna Toot Holcomb, who predeceased him. In 1952, he married Carol Hill (also predeceased, 2013), and together they raised three children: David Toot (Kim), Janet Toot, Pamela Toot Lanford (David). Through them, his life has been blessed with four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Gene graduated from Kent State University, where he met Carol. He then attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and served as minister at Hopedale and Annapolis Presbyterian Churches from 1954 to 1961. He served Trinity Presbyterian Church from 1961 until 1995. In 1980, Gene completed his Doctorate of Ministry at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

Gene served numerous rolls for the Presbytery of Steubenville and Presbytery of the Upper Ohio Valley and was a founding member of the board of trustees for Beaver Creek United Presbyterian Church Camp, serving the board for more than 50 years.

After retirement in 1995, Gene served a six-year stint as East Liverpool Area Chamber of Commerce executive director. He served on the East Liverpool Board of Education and as chaplain at East Liverpool City Hospital. He was the driving force in creating the annual Easter Pageant on the Hillside at Trinity Church. He was chosen by the Morning Journal in 2000 as one of the 100 Outstanding Citizens of Columbiana County in the 20th Century and he received the East Liverpool Area Jaycees Distinguished Service Award.

Gene had too many community involvements to mention. He played in the East Liverpool Men’s Softball League and in the East Liverpool Church Men’s Bowling League. He continued his love of sports by playing both Senior Olympic basketball and ping pong. He was an avid dahlia grower, with success at regional dahlia shows in places like Washington, D.C., St Louis, and Detroit.

Gene’s life covered a time of enormous change, but to the end he believed that the Church is the strongest force for good in the world.

A memorial service will be conducted at 4 p.m. Saturday at Longs Run Trinity Presbyterian Church where friends may visit prior to the service from 2 to 4 p.m. A private family service and burial will be conducted at Riverview Cemetery.

View Gene’s memorial webpage and express condolences online at www.dawsonfuneralhome.com.

11/19/25