Harry Isaac Towell, son of the late Perry Wilson Towell and Hazel Laura (Ray) Towell, was born Nov. 14, 1935, in Mountain View, and passed away Oct. 23, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Harry grew up and attended school in the Mountain View area and graduated from Mountain View High School. He worked a 30 year career for the Missouri Department of Transportation. After he retired, he opened Towells Coyote Pen and operated it for about a decade. Harry met Lawanda in a café in 1966. They fell in love and were married just three months later on Sep. 16, 1966. They raised their family together and enjoyed 51 years of marriage before Lawanda passed away in 2018. Harry's favorite pastimes included playing pool at the Hartville Senior Center, attending the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival each year, hunting, trading hunting dogs and cooking. He had done hundreds of cookouts with his smoker for various events including fundraisers, church events, and family reunions. Harry was also a faithful and active member of Evening Shade Community Church. Besides his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Lawanda Towell; one son, Mike Towell; one daughter, Tammy Adams; one granddaughter, Gabby Towell; one great-granddaughter, Maddie Perkins; and one great-grandson, Ryker Perkins. He is survived by one son, Clay Towell; five grandchildren, Tiffany Appleby; Adam Perkins and his wife, Danielle; Bailey Towell; Jamie Towell; and Chase Towell; 10 great-grandchildren, Whitley, Briella, Jaycie, Maverick, Marshall, Reece, Zeke, Kinnley, Wesley and Emma; and many other extended family and friends who called him Papa Harry. Visitation for Harry Towell was held Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, from 12:30- 1:30 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Hartville. Graveside services followed at 2 p.m. at Dutch Chapel Cemetery with the Rev. Javan Shrode officiating. Song selections were, "Oh Come, Angel Band,” "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder" and "I'll Fly Away.” Pallbearers were Randy Wade, Jason Mercer, Randy Crewse, Jim Perkins, Ronnie Todd and Trenton Anderson. Honorary pallbearers were Gene McBride, Travis Leigh and Douglas Adams. Memorial contributions may be made to Dutch Chapel Cemetery or Manes Music Makers in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
