Donald M. Towle

Donald M. Towle, 80 years young, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Don was born September 14, 1933, in Topeka to Winifred (Brouyette) and Bernard Towle. He married Adeline Moberly on June 19, 1954, at Holy Name Catholic Church. Don graduated Summa Cum Laude from Washburn University, June 5, 1966, while managing a local grocery store. He survived the grocery store collapsing around him during the June 8, 1966, tornado. Soon after he started a new career with Kansas Bankers Surety Company. During his 46 year tenure he grew the company from a local Kansas company to a publicly traded Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary before retiring as President and CEO on December 31, 2013. Don loved Adeline and they held hands every time they could. Together they traveled the world, visiting 65 countries on six continents. When they were not traveling they cherished spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren sharing the stories of their adventures. Don’s hobby was sailing and he raised his family at the Shawnee Yacht Club. He served in many capacities including Commodore. For the last several years, Don and Adeline ran the Race Committee which officiates sailboat races. He was so proud of his Irish heritage that he became a citizen of Ireland, as well as being a citizen of the United States of America. He often stated, “I am glad I don’t get all the government I pay for.” Don is survived by his loving bride, Adeline; children, Mark and Linda Towle, Richmond TX, Chuck and Dana Towle, Topeka, Donald M. Towle, Jr., Grandview MO, Allan and Chris Towle, Topeka, Sherry and Paul Bures, Topeka, Tim and Joy Towle, Lawrence KS; grandchildren, Karen and Vince Ferraro, Brian and Erica Towle, Tony and Sarah Towle, Tina and Brandon Goodrich, Tommy and Kelley Van Towle, Jamie and Russell Bonneville, John Towle, Mike and Olivia Towle, Robin and Nate Young, Lisa Towle, Shayli Towle, Andy Towle, Patrick and Lindsay Towle, Matthew Towle, Joey Towle, Daniel Towle, Katie Towle, Jacob Bures, Sarah Bures, Zachary Bures, David Bures, Maria Bures, Leah Towle, Megan Towle; great-grandchildren, Gianna Ferraro, Caden Ferraro, Xavery Goodrich, Joey Bonneville, Madison Bonneville, Zora Young, Caitlin Birk; brothers and sisters, George Towle, Dorothy Weir, Thomas Towle, Jeannie and Bob Sebree. We love you Don (Dad, Grandpa), and miss you very much, but we know that God has welcomed you home. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka KS 66614, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Christ the King Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Mary’s Choice (a pregnancy resource center), P.O. Box 8689 Topeka KS 66608.

Donald M. Towle

September 14, 1933 - May 21, 2014