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Towry, Thomas 'Ugly' Michael
Thomas “Ugly” Michael Towry lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 58, on Friday, Jan. 20, 2012. Tom passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife and friends at his side, Margaret Mary (Hess) “Megan.” Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the United Parish Church, Coggon. The family will greet friends 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Central City.
He is survived by his three children from a previous marriage; daughter-in-law; and three cherished grandchildren, Thomas Michael Towry II, Tiffany Ann Towry and her children, Audrey Marie and Jacob Michael Walarius, all of Mount Vernon, and Tyler Nathan and his wife Amy, and their son, Dylan Jack Towry of Fort Collins, Colo.; and his sister, Patricia “Trish” Ruth (Towry) Corby of Meridan, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Catherine “Kay” Mary (Ryan) and P.R. “Jack” Towry.
Thomas was born June 26, 1953, and grew up in San Jose, Calif. He enlisted in the Army in October 1972, and served most of his tour in Germany, until he received his Honorable Discharge in October 1975. After his time in the service, Tom helped raise his three children. Tom made his home in Coggon, Iowa, in 1981 and was employed with Wilson Foods, until its closure. Tom loved riding his Harley with his “Brothers,” long trips with Meg, the Cubs and the Raiders, spending time with his grandchildren and life in general.
With the help of our “Family of Friends,” the Coggon community, our friends and caregivers at Oncology and Hospice of Mercy Care; our sincere gratitude to you all for the care, love and prayers. Tom and his family realize how blessed they are to have such great friends and community during their times of hardship, joy and sorrow alike. May God bless all of you.
God speed and rest in peace beloved Father and Husband. “Enjoy the ride until I get my seat back, sun on our faces, the wind in our hair, with the Freak Flags a Flyin'.”
Please sign the online guest book for Thomas at under obituaries.
Published in The Gazette Jan. 24, 2012.
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