Pastor Christopher Michael Tookes

Pastor Christopher Michael Tookes departed this life on Friday, September 16, 2016 at Canterbury Hospice Care Facility, Pittsburgh PA, following a lengthy illness.

Born February 14, 1968 in Rochester, PA, he was the son of the late Henry Lee Tookes & Margaret Tookes (née Cantrell).  He grew up with the nicknames "Mike" & "Big Tookes" and his wife affectionately called him "Tookey".

Pastor Tookes was raised in Midland, PA where he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1986.  He went on to earn a degree from Pittsburgh Technical Institute in Computer Aid Drafting & Design.  He decided to further his studies at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA, earning a Master of Science Organizational Leadership degree, then earned a Master of Theological Studies degree from the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. 

Pastor Tookes was raised in Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Midland, PA, where he accepted his call into the ministry under the leadership of Pastor Michael H. Harrison Sr.  Later, he and his wife, Rev. Angela Tookes (née Smith), joined Rev. Charles R. Davis' congregation at South Hills Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, PA.  They served as ministers at South Hills Baptist for ten years until Pastor Tookes proudly accepted the call to become pastor of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Library, PA, where he served as the Senior Pastor for six years until his untimely death.  During his pastorate, he served as the Vice Moderator of the Allegheny Baptist Union Association of the Upper Mon Valley Area.  In addition to his work in ministry, he also worked full-time as a Mechanical Draftsman at the University of Pittsburgh for over twenty years. 

He thoroughly enjoyed watching sports and his favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pitt Panthers.  Other favorite activities included:  Going to the movies, vacationing in Florida, and attending Lott Carey conventions. He was an avid reader and owned an extensive book collection.  His favorite book was The Lord of The Rings and his favorite scripture was Psalms 23.  He enjoyed conversation and sharing a meal, especially a good fish sandwich.

Pastor Tookes will always be remembered for both his smile and infectious laughter. He was caring and profoundly affected the lives of many with his loving and gentle personality.  He was extremely creative and found many different outlets to showcase this, including singing and drawing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Henry

and Anna Lois (née Duncan) Tookes. His maternal grandmother, Fannie B. Cantrell, an uncle, Walter Tookes, Sr. and an aunt, Gloria J. Greene.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife Angela Tookes, a sister Chevonne

Tookes, Midland, PA, brothers Pastor Mark S. Tookes, Pittsburgh, PA, Ryan Greene (Lynette), Industry, PA, & Meleke Eisenbrown, Fort Wayne, IN. Aunts Marilyn Howard (Kenneth), Jeannice Barrett & Frances Tookes, all of Midland, PA, as well as an abundance of family, colleagues, and friends.