Woodrow Towner

WOODROW “WOODY” EBEN TOWNER

AVOCA-Woodrow “Woody” Eben Towner, born on Dec. 11, 1918, son of the late Leon and Hervie Towner, passed away Tuesday afternoon (Dec. 6, 2016) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville.
He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy (Waite) Towner, who passed away on Dec. 28, 1997 and Lois (VanWormer) Towner, who passed away on Sept. 19, 2013. His brother, Jess; his sister-in-law, Marge Towner and his daughter-in-law, Arleen Towner also predeceased him.
A lifelong farmer in the Avoca area, Woody also did some work at Mercury Aircraft and Ingersoll Rand. Woody was an active member of the Wallace Wesleyan Church, serving in many positions. He also served various positions in the Avoca Grange No. 176.
Woody was a sixth generation descendant of Gresham A. Towner, who was one of the earliest pioneer settlers of Avoca, hence he served as one of the grand marshals for the Avoca Bicentennial parade. Like Gresham, Woody and his brother Jess married sisters and were very close and had a lot of fun together.
Many knew Woody as easy going, hard working and a mentor. He loved camping and traveling in the camper he built himself. He also enjoyed spending many winters in Florida.
Woodrow is survived by his children and stepchildren, Ken Towner, David (Joy) Towner, Doug (Lori) Towner, James (Sharon) VanWormer, Vicki (Jim) Grace and Jay (Diane) VanWormer. Also surviving are many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Avoca Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St. in Avoca is honored to serve the family of Woodrow “Woody” Eben Towner.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon Friday at the Wallace Wesleyan Church where a funeral service will be held at noon Friday, with the Rev. Bill Spencer and the Rev. Dan Pickering officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at Valley View Cemetery, Avoca.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Wallace Wesleyan Church, 9079 Church St., Avoca, N.Y. 14809.

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