Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

 

TOWNER

Bricker

Joyce

Miller

Peyla

Revell

Ryan

Silva

SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE – May 22, 2004

 

Gerald W. Towner

November 10, 1933 – May 19, 2004

 

Gerald W. Towner, 70, of South Bend IN, passed away at noon, Wednesday, May 19.

 

Gerald was born on November 10, 1933, in South Bend, to Howard and Laura (Peyla) Towner.  He retired on November 12, 1993, as a Command Sergeant Major with the US Army.  On November 12, 1955, in St Mary’s Church, Shelby OH, he married Mary Kay Bricker, who survives.

 

Also surviving are five daughters, Rebecca (Anthony) Silva of Riverside CA, Tracey Towner of Moreno Valley CA, Jamie (Kevin) Joyce of Moreno Valley CA, Mary Margaret (Tim) Ryan of Mishawaka, Anne Renee (Michael) Revell of Granger; seven grandchildren, Ashlee and Alex Silva, Skyler Ryan, Ian, Cameron and MacKenzie Joyce, Kaitlyn Revell; a sister, Judie (Forrest) Miller of South Bend; and by three brothers, Robert (Mary) Towner of South Bend, Richard Towner of Mesa AZ, and David (Doris) Towner of South Bend.

 

Preceding him in death were his two infant daughters, Jamie Mary and Sally Ann Towner.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am Monday, May 24, in Christ the King Catholic Church.  Full Military Honors and burial will be held at 1pm Tuesday, May 25, in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta MI.  Friends may call from 2 until 8pm Sunday, May 23, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a combined parish and Knights of Columbus Rosary will be said at 4pm.

 

Gerald was a member of Christ the King Parish, the Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council #553, as active member of Indiana National Guard Association, a Charter Member of 38th Infantry Division Association, a Board Member of 151st Infantry Association and the Regional Representative for Employer Support of Guard and Reserve.

 

Gerald was honored with the following awards: the distinguished Sagamore of the Wabash by Evan Bayh, Governor of the State of Indiana; Legion of Hoosier Heroes and the Command Sergeant Major award.  In addition, Gerald received numerous medals including: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Downs Syndrome Support and Advocacy Group, 51201 Old Cottage Drive, Granger IN 46530.