Arthur Towns, Jr

Arthur L. Towns, Jr.

Age 88 of Wilmington, passed away Tuesday December 12, 2006 at Silver Cross Medical Center in Joliet.

Born July 31, 1918 in Wayne County, Illinois, Arthur was a son of the late Arthur, Sr. and Theresa A. (Carpenter) Towns. He was a graduate of Reddick High School and served in the US Army during World War II. On August 10, 1941 Arthur married Galdys Porter in rural Jeff, Illinois. He received his B.S. degree from Southern Illinois University and his Masters degree in Education and Administration from Northern Illinois University. Mr. Towns started his teaching career in Dongala, Illinois (1941), and then moved to Leaf River, Kings, and Burlington, Illinois prior to coming to Wilmington, where he served as principal at Booth Central School (1961-1985) and retired after 21 years of service with the Wilmington School District. Mr. Towns was a member of the American Legion, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Illinois Education Association, and Pleasant Grove Christian Church. He greatly enjoyed sports, traveling, carpentry, reading historical novels and spending time with his family.

Survivors include one son Mickey (Karen) Towns of Princeton, Illinois; one daughter Peggy (Richard) Castle of Englewood, Colorado; one sister Dorothy June Hilliard of Marion, Illinois; daughter-in-law Debbie (the late Danny) Towns of Edmond, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren: John (Christine) Castle, Lisa (Jeff) Walker, Kayley (Chris) Hennessey, Nicholas Towns, Christine Towns, Elly Towns and Kevin Towns. Two great granddaughters: Josephine Castle and Leoni Castle.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gladys (2001), son Danny (2002), as well as numerous nieces and nepews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday December 17, 2006 from 3:00PM until time of service at 6:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington and Monday December 18th from 1:00PM until time of funeral services at 2:00PM at Hosselton Funeral Home in Cisne, Illinois. Burial will follow in Cisne Cemetery, Cisne, Illinois.

Online guest book available at: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Arthur's memory to the Wilmington School District 209-U "Foundation for Excellence".

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington.