John Toche

John Anthony Toche age 87, passed away on October 13, 2021.  He was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on January 9th, 1934 to John Adaulph and Mary Toche.

John was a graduate of Notre Dame High School in 1952. During his schooling years, John grew up around the shipyard business, becoming a skilled craftsman before graduating high school.  The family legacy of Toche Shipyards would be John’s life’s mission.  Not long after high school, John and several buddies from “The Point” enlisted in the Armed Services.  John ended up in the Navy during the Korean War Conflict.  His dedication and service to his country continued for the rest of his life.  Once John finished his enlistment duty, he headed back home to Biloxi.  This is when he rediscovered a young woman that by all accounts was not interested. John had his eyes and heart set on Elsie Jean Seymour.  They married on June 26th, 1955 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville, Mississippi. She was his wife for 66 years.

John became a master boat builder with world-wide notoriety from places as far away as France, Spain, Portugal, Venezuela, and Honduras.  He would remain a boat builder at heart until the very end.

John is survived in death by his loving wife Elsie Toche; and his son Vincent Toche; his grandchildren, Janina Allen, Michael Toche Jr., Lucus Toche, Tyler Toche, Austin Toche, Devon Toche, and Elsie Michelle Toche; his sisters, Iona (Nolan) Couture, Pauline Alfonso; and sister in-law, Arlene Toche; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

John is preceded in death by his sons, Michael Toche Sr., Jerome Anthony, and Harvey Joseph; his daughters, Ann Grace and Mary Beth; his siblings, William Toche Sr., Theresa Toche Fountain, and Joseph Adaulph Toche.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 4900 Riley Road in Ocean Springs, on Saturday October 23rd, 2021 at 11:00, with visitation for friends one hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will be at 2:30 PM Tuesday October 26, 2021 at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS with procession at 1:30 PM from Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. West Jackson County.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. West Jackson County is serving the family.

An online register can be signed, memories and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com