James Duane Towne, 75, of Rochester passed away at 7:41 PM on Monday, August 9, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.
On June 13, 1946, James was born in Rochester to James A. and Ruby Sutton Towne. Growing up he shared his childhood with two sisters, Gloria and Janice. In 1964, he graduated from Rochester High School.
Jim and Patty Jean Keel were married on November 11, 1967 at his sister Gloria’s home in Culver. They have shared 54 years of life’s adventures. Their union produced a daughter, Darla and a son Ron.
With a great work ethic Jim worked under the same roof in Bremen for 45 years, Jim retired as a lab technician for Johns Manville. Dad and Ron spent many hours “Townerizing” in the garage working on cars and trucks.
As a family man, he taught Darla and Ron to read during family Bible night. He gave great advice “be smart with your decisions” and “always go to the throne”. Vacations to Missouri to see the cousins, insisting Darla ride the roller coaster at Worlds of Fun were cherished times. Patty and Jim enjoyed eating out at local eateries, but nothing would ever beat “maws” potato salad or Linda’s cherry pie.
Watching game shows, American Pickers and This Old House was a great way to learn new things. To get outside he could be found fishing for catfish at the pond or the channel.
The Towne family were members of the Rochester Church of God. Jim and Patty enjoyed singing at the singspirations. Their favorite hymn was God Walks the Dark Hills. He was a man of deep and silent faith.
Left to cherish the memories of Jim are his wife Patty; daughter Darla Towne of Rochester; son Ron Towne and wife Linda of Burkett; two sisters Gloria Jean Neher and husband Truman of Culver, Janice Hatfield and husband Lon of Corpus Christi, TX and canine companion, Missy, a poodle Yorkie mix.
Preceding Jim in death are his parents and brother Billy Ray in infancy.
A celebration of the life of James D. Towne will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 13, 2021 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester. Pastor Larry Pyatt will officiate. Friends may visit with the family two hours prior to the service in the funeral home.
Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Rochester Church of God, 3048 Southway 31, Rochester, IN 46975.
Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.
