Neal S. Tostenson

Neal S. Tostenson, age 79 of Cambridge, OH passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center. He was born December 28, 1934 in Lima, OH to the late Bernhardt A. and Irma Martin Tostenson. Neal, a practicing attorney who was known for leadership on local, state and national levels with the bituminous coal industry, was named “Coal Man of the Year” in 1977. He graduated from; Cambridge High School in 1952, from the Ohio State University in 1956, and from the OSU Law School in 1958. He passed the bar the same year. In 1973 he was certified as an attorney for district courts. Neal became associated with The National Coal Association, his affiliation often taking him many places, including Washington D.C. He was given a Distinguished Service Award for 25 years to the industry. He also worked with the National Regulatory Assistance Program and with the state and national Environmental Protection Agency. In 1974, he was named executive vice president of the Ohio Mining and Reclamation Association, and in 1979, named president. He worked closely with and developed deep friendships with many state politicians, including Gov. James Rhodes, house speaker Vern Riffe and state senator Harry Meshel. Through his work on behalf of coal operators and miners, he developed a close relationship with George Nicolozakes of Marietta Coal Co. and Bill and Stanley Nicolozakes of Nicolozakes Trucking. Neal was inducted into the Guernsey County Hall of Fame in 2003. Despite a rigorous work schedule, on behalf of the coal industry in Ohio, he was still able to maintain a local law practice. He was also a member of Sons of Norway, Columbus Chapter. Served on the board of The Golden Rule School in Cambridge. Along with his parents Neal is preceded in death by his wife Beverly A. Tostenson whom he married August 28, 1956, one sister, Betty Nelson and one brother, Don Tostenson. Survived by two daughters, Ann (Randy) Lawrence of Cambridge, OH and Amy (Jeff) Booth of Reynoldsburg, OH; two sons, Kurt B. Tostenson of Cambridge, OH and Neal H. (Debbie Beros) Tostenson of Cambridge, OH. Two grandsons, Ben (Denise) Lawrence and Jeffrey Booth. One great Grandson, Anthony Joseph Lawrence. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday from 3 to 7 pm at Bundy-Law Funeral Home where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday. Rev. Max Beery will officiate the service with burial following in Northwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 641 Steubenville Ave., Cambridge, OH 43725. An online guest book may be signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.

Neal S. Tostenson

December 28, 1934 - February 11, 2014