Obituary of William Ira Towne

DEGRASSE – William "Bill" Ira Towne, age 83, of DeGrasse, passed away on August 6, 2018 at his home. There will be a graveside service, with Military Honors, held in the Rossie Cemetery on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor John Frary officiating. Immediately following the service, there will be a luncheon held at the Rossie Community Center. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Edwards. Bill was born on March 24, 1935 in Russell. He was one of twelve children born to the late Melford and Lida (Tousley)Towne. He attended Knox-Memorial High School and earned his G.E.D. while in the military. Bill served in the United States Air Force from 1953-1957 and again from 1958-1962. He served in Germany during the Korean Conflict and received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal 3 times, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. Bill married Shirley E. Simons, of Rossie, on May 2, 1958 at the Oxbow Presbyterian Manse. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Mr. Towne retired from the Newton Falls Paper Mill as a rewinder after over 28 years of employment at the mill. He had previously worked a few years in Plattsburgh and had sought work in Alaska before coming back home to DeGrasse. Bill enjoyed being with family and friends, fishing, spending time at his camp on Black Lake, and was meticulous with his home and yard, taking pride in keeping things neat and tidy. He was also a longtime member of the DeGrasse United Methodist Church. His survivors include his wife, Shirley of DeGrasse; a son and daughter-in-law, Martin and Jane Towne of Florida; 4 brothers, Richard, DeGrasse, John, Arizona, Douglas, Arizona, and Donald Towne, Gouverneur; and 4 sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Reynolds, Calcium, Patricia Cameron, Cleveland, June Briggs, Oswegatchie Trail, and Bonnie Stubbs, Texas. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Randy Towne, Florida and Kassie Wiggins, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a brother, Barry Towne; and 2 sisters, Gwendolyn Harper and Barbara Pike. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund, PO Box 291, Canton NY 13617 or Renewal House, 3 Chapel Street, Canton NY 13617. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.