Dennis Michael Toole
January 29, 1952 ~ June 3, 2026
On Wednesday, the 3rd day of June 2026 at 10:31 a.m. Dennis Michael Toole left this world for his heavenly home where he was reunited with his beloved wife Tina. After a brief illness, Dennis entered the presence of the Lord at the age of 74. He was born into this world on the 29th day of January 1952 to the loving care of his parents Luke Toole and Mildred "Tut" Poole Toole in Anderson County, Texas.
A graduate of Westwood High School and a proud graduate of Sam Houston State University, Dennis dedicated over 40 years to a career he truly loved in the oil and gas industry in the U.S., Canada, and Africa, working diligently until his well-deserved retirement. He was a devout Christian man and an active, faithful member and deacon of Southside Baptist Church. Dennis loved his family with all his heart and is now peacefully reunited with his dearly departed wife, whom he cherished deeply throughout their lives together.
An avid outdoorsman, Dennis found great joy in nature, spending countless hours hunting, fishing, and shooting weekly rounds of sporting clays. He was known by all for his distinct, dry sense of humor and a quick wit that brought laughter to those around him. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by both parents, wife Tina Parkhurst Toole, brother Jerry Toole, sisters-in-law Jan Toole and Rochelle Toole, and his brother-in-law Don Howard.
Dennis leaves behind his son, Michael Andrew "Andy" Toole and wife Alyssa; daughter, Shelly Rae Butler and husband Justin; sister, Debrorah Howard; brother, Harry Toole; grandchildren, Nolan and Rhett Butler; and numerous cousins and extended family and friends.
On Thursday, the 11th day of June 2026 friends are cordially invited to a visitation at Rhone Funeral Home from five o'clock until seven o'clock in the evening.
Funeral services to celebrate Dennis Toole's life will be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 12th day of June 2026 at Southside Baptist Church with Dr. David English officiating the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed towards the Sam Houston Alumni Association at https://www.shsu.edu.
Funeral and cremation services for Dennis Michael Toole are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.
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Dennis was a friend from the young years. He and Tina as well as the whole family were cherished by all. May God’s blessings and grace be with the entire family.
Bill-Becky Lincoln Cooksey
Fort Worth
We will miss these friends … Dennis & Tina were the first to befriend us when we moved to Palestine over 42 years ago. We spent time riding bikes out to the Railroad Park (when we were younger!) and just spending time together. Dennis’ stories will be sorely missed also! (“I may have lied to you before, but that is the truth!”) How many times have we heard that phrase after one of his stories? This world will be a little darker without him. 💕
My deepest prayers and condolences to the Toole family .. especially my life long friends Harry and Deborah. It for sure will be quite around a lot of places without Dennis’s stories and ever lastling love of man kind. He was a full moon for sure.
Cannot think of anyone who shared more aspects of my life than “Denny Michael”!
From the family reunions of my youth (Huffman/Poole) to attending the same church (Southside) to football rivalries (Westwood/Elkhart) to summer league baseball rivalries to looking up from work and seeing Dennis walk into the MP depot at Taylor.
Many times through life I would look up and there stood Dennis.
Quick wit, easy, low key humor that all could enjoy.
Last time I saw Dennis was at my mother’s funeral in 2020.
Somehow, just seeing Dennis, was soothing…..and meaningful!
Harry and Deborah, know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Andy and Shelly,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Tim has spoken often of your dad and the fun at work. He will be missed.
I have many memories from 1988-1994 of my friend Dennis. Most of them took place as I watched him working on something that needed to be fixed at the church. From installing cove base to tearing out a wall, Dennis would get it done—in his spare time! His great humor and winning smile were outdone only by his great commitment to the Lord Jesus, his wife, his children, his mother, and his friends.
My condolences to the Dennis Toole family. I met Dennis when I spent a few weeks in Palestine in January of 1989. His sense of humor was always at work. He kept us entertained for sure. I reconnected with him when he transferred to Africa and stayed in touch from then thru his time in Wyoming, and even after he retired. I never met Tina and the kids, but he always had a good story about them. If he wasn’t showing his love for family, he was showing his love for God and the great outdoors..
Shelly “Shells” and Andy, I cannot tell you what your family meant to me when I was going through a hard time, y’all were the first ones I met when we moved to liberty city. You quickly became family, and you took me and my girls in to make it easier to adjust. Your dad gave me my job at Halliburton, and I always remember that smile that made you feel blessed to have known him. He was a good man, a man of God and you knew it and felt comfortable.
I’m truly sorry for your loss, may you have peace and comfort in the days ahead. Prayers for you and your family.
I have known Den since he was a teenager wearing silly bell bottoms driving that VW coming to see Tina. I am 82 and have seen many loved ones go on to their reward. This one hurts far more. My sister Tina could not have chosen a more prefect life partner. The obvious love and joy they share is somewhat reflected in their outstanding children and the big hole they left in all of our lives. To say Dennis will be missed does not cover it. Dennis was always jokingly asking to borrow money, Den, the answer is still no.