Albert “Al” Towlerton passed from this life to start his new journey on August 16, 2013. He was 92. Al was born in Miles City, Montana to Albert John Towlerton and Jennie Irwin Towlerton.
He attended local schools and graduated from Custer County High School in 1939 and entered as an apprentice with Doyle’s Plumbing and Heating. He entered the Navy during World War II and served aboard the aircraft carrier Saratoga for 3 ½ years in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to Miles City where he met and married Patricia Lois Haggerty, and of this union, there were four children born: Alan (Judy) Towlerton of Billings; Tamara (John) Osborne of Helena; Larry Towlerton of Helena; and Jan (Jay) Schweitzer of Missoula.
In 1949 the family moved to Madison, South Dakota to open and operate a plumbing and heating business and in 1950 Al was recalled in the Navy and was stationed at Bremerton Naval Shipyard during the Korean Conflict and served there for 18 months before being discharged and returning to Miles City to continue in the plumbing industry until 1957. He then went to work for the Air Force with duties at a radar base in Miles City until 1965 and transferred to the Air Force Academy in Colorado. He then transferred to Bozeman for General Services Administration for 10 years and subsequently transferred to Helena until 1982 and retired.
Al is survived by his wife of the family home, his four loving children, and four grandchildren: Megan Towlerton of Billings; Nathan (Jennifer) Towlerton of Long Beach, California; Brittany Osborne of Helena; and Cassidy Schweitzer, of Missoula, and one great grandson, Royce Nelson of Billings.
Al was preceded in death by his mother Jennie, father Albert, stepfather Art, brother James, and several aunts and uncles.
A graveside service will take place at Montana State Veteran Cemetery, 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 21, 2013. A reception will immediately follow in the Social Hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Donations in Al’s name are suggested to the American Legion, 1900 Williams St., Helena, MT 59601 and to AutismSpeaks.org
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 21, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Row
Helena, MT 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 21, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Row
Helena, MT 59636
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CLANCIE says
To Patricia and son Larry and the rest of the Towlerton family
I send my deepest sympathy to you all your Husband/Dad was a great man . I always looked forward to seeing him on shopping days . He always made my day with his big smile. I was truly saddened today when Larry told me of his passing . Al truly left a very lasting footprint in my life and i will miss him but I also know he is in a better place. My heart will be with you all on Wednesday . I truly wish I could attend the services but my thoughts and prayers will be with you. God bless you all . BLESSING TO AL MAY HE REST IN PEACE
Robyn Fisher says
Pat, Jan & family:
I am so sorry for you all in the passing of sweet Al. He was a remarkable man who lived a long and honorable life. Pat and Al were always so good to me, and I will always appreciate their kindness. They truly made a difference in my life. My love and prayers to you all.
Keith Trafton says
It was always enjoyable to spend time with Al as well as Patty. They were good freinds with my parents. I have cherished photos of Al and my father Les goofing off when they were both young men. Al was kind to both my father and mother in their final years for which I will always be grateful. I remember conversations with Al over donuts and coffee at the Donut Hole in Helena, he was never without a good story. Al was such a gentleman that he refrained from commenting on my lousy boat handling during a trip up Gates of the Mountains even though he was a Navy man and knew how a boat should be handled. He was a “good guy”. My wife Pat and I send our deepest condolences to the Towlerton family.
Brittany says
Papa was one of the greatest men. I have been left with so many fond memories of him and I. I can remember every morning after breakfast him going and working on the cars. He always made sure to make time and play with me when I was little. He recently told me that he was proud of me and I will always keep that with me. Thanks papa for all the great memories!!
Megan says
I will love you forever and always and a day. Forever and always my papa you will be.
Bruce (Mark) Trafton says
Just sitting here looking at some old photos of Al and my dad Les just reaffirms my belief that those two men were examples of the best that this country has ever had to offer. Al somehow personified “Navy” in my young mind years ago. His life was worthy of respect, and he had mine.
helen fabian delanoy says
Tam, Larry and your mom and families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Helen
Hawks & Downey Family says
Pat and Family,
Our thoughts are with you during your loss. Al was a wonderful person and he will be sorely missed. For the past 25+ years, both of you have been the best neighbors anyone could have asked for. Al was always willing to lend a hand and a tool to help out with anything. We always appreciated his help, the conversations with him, and his gracious nature. He will be missed by us all. Our hearts and prayers are with you always.
Mike Hawks and family.
Cheryl Tonn says
I am so very sorry I could not be there amongst you all during this sad time. I keep picturing Al’s face and it is always a smiling one. My childhood memories of him are that I thought he was soooo handsome….I loved the white T shirts he wore …they made him look so strong. And a novelty for our family —his dark hair..well hair period. 🙂 Mostly every memory is how he was always smiling and laughing…you got to keep him with you for a long time. I am jealous of you for that but so happy for you to have been able to gather that many more times to treasure in your hearts forever…specially for the grandchildren…I love you all.