Robert B. "Bob" Towle

WATERVILLE -- Robert B. "Bob" Towle, 85, passed away Oct. 26, 2010, at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor surrounded by his family.

He was born in Waterville March 30, 1925, a son of Frank and Grace (Black) Towle. He was educated in Waterville schools, graduating in 1943, however, he received his diploma early before leaving for the military. Bob was a member of the Army 25th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater Military Police from 1943 to 1946. He was also one of the first 10 military personnel to step foot into Japan after its surrender.

He was the owner and operator of Bob's Auto Body and Radiator Shop for the past 59 years. His work was his hobby and he enjoyed meeting customers. He especially enjoyed his camp on Great Pond and barbecuing for family and friends. He was a member of the American Legion Bourque Lanigan Post 5 of Waterville. Bob also took pleasure in his monthly luncheon with his 1943 classmates.

He was predeceased by his parents and an infant brother, Kenneth.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Gloria (Kitchin) Towle; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Charles Thomas; three brothers-in-law, Stewart Kitchin and his wife, Elaine, of Ohio, Gary Kitchen and his wife, Linda, of Oakland and Wayne Kitchin of Florida; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Pine Grove Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Central Maine Veterans Park, 567 Benton Ave., Winslow, ME 04901, or the American Legion, P.O. Box 41, Waterville, ME 04903.

Special thanks to Janet Marston, the bank teller at Bank of America, who quickly notified emergency personnel as well as Officer Bonney and Delta Ambulance. Also thank you to MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Unit, Emergency Room staff and Eastern Maine Medical Center Intensive Care Unit doctors and nurses.

Arrangements are under the direction of Redington Funeral Home, 5 Park St., Waterville.