Ronald Gifford Tow

Ronald Gifford Tow

Marion

Ronald Gifford Tow of Marion, Iowa, died February 9, 2026, at the age of 62, at the University of Iowa Hospital from injuries sustained in a house fire where he lived. Born August 28, 1963, he was the youngest son of Gifford “Putts” Tow, Jr. and Jane Anne (Gaffney) Tow. He graduated from Washington High School, Class of 1981, and Kirkwood Community College, Class of 1983, with a Graphic Arts degree.

As a young boy, Ron loved playing Little League Baseball. Ron loved dogs. Growing up, our family always had a dog, even in Texas he cared for his dogs Shadow and Naz.

In Texas, he worked at Visual Impact as a graphic art designer. He then worked for the Town of Flower Mound Water Department.

Ron returned to the Cedar Rapids/Marion Iowa area and worked various jobs at Home Depot, assisted living centers, and restaurants. He always kept himself busy. He was never afraid of hard work. If you ever needed any help, he was always willing to lend a hand. A favorite past time of Ron’s was reading. He was an avid reader, and he loved visiting the Marion Library.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, paternal grandparents: Gifford Tow, Sr. and Tillie Petrick Tow, and maternal grandparents: Walter Gaffney and Olive Kirschbaum Gaffney.

He is survived by his 5 siblings: Debbie (Rich) Colozza of Gansevoort, NY, Don (Patty) Tow of Hiawatha, IA, Terry Tow of Springfield, IL, Lisa Tow of Flower Mound, TX and Becky (Barry) Stone of Lewisville, TX. He also is survived by several nephews and nieces, and by many cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life is planned in the Spring.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.iowacremation.com under Obituaries.