Passing of AdFed Member: Steve Toor

We, here at AdFed, know we are nothing without members like you. We want to honor Steve Toor who passed away in 2021.

Steven M. Toor 

January 4, 1947 – October 25, 2021 

Surrounded by family and friends, Steve Toor, 74, passed away at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana from a pulmonary condition on October 25, 2021. Born in Fort Wayne on January 4, 1947 to Gerald and Burnice Toor, he was a long-time advertising executive and supporter of Fort Wayne area civic organizations and festivals. Steve was a graduate of Elmhurst High School and remained active in the Class of 1965 reunions. After earning his diploma in broadcast production from the Career Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Steve attended the University of Wisconsin and Indiana University. After his higher education Steve worked for ten years as a producer, director and production manager at WPTA-TV. In 1978 his career focus turned to advertising when he became media buyer at Lauer Advertising. He then served as an account executive at HPN Advertising and became co-owner and president of the company in 1982 where he worked until 1994. For five years Steve owned and operated a private catering and restaurant business. In the early 2000s Steve oversaw development and fund raising for the Embassy Theatre. Steve spent the last decade of his career, up to his death, coordinating events for the Fort Wayne History Center. Steve was a member of the Advertising Association of Fort Wayne and served on its board for nine years where he headed various committees. In addition, he served on the boards of the American Red Cross, Arts United, Audiences Unlimited, Charmaine School & Model Agency, the Embassy Theatre, the Fort Wayne Better Business Bureau, Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and Holiday Fest. For many years Steve was an ardent supporter and developer of the Embassy’s Festival of Trees and the History Center’s Festival of Gingerbread. He was instrumental in the development of the Three Rivers Festival, serving as a volunteer at its inception and continuing as such for 31 years, a board member for 20 years, and its board president in 1983/84. His personal interests included Broadway theater and musicals, collecting antique clothing, and international travel. Steve is survived by his partner of 50 years, Glen White, sister Deborah Hyatt, brother Jerry Toor, nephew Joshua Hyatt, and nieces Erica Hutton, Andrea Hyatt, Ashley Mitchell, and Lisa Morgan. His parents and his brother Daniel Toor preceded him in death. In keeping with Steve’s wishes, memorial gifts may be made to the Fort Wayne History Center and Audiences Unlimited. A service will be held at a future time to honor and remember this remarkable man, a friend to all, who gave so much to our Fort Wayne community.