Search by Name

Search by Name

Jeff Towles Obituary

JEFF H. TOWLES, M.D., 74, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2004, at his home in Fort Wayne. He was a practicing physician in the city for nearly 40 years. First, in his own surgery practice from 1964 to 1994, then, moving to occupational medicine with local companies such as Magnavox and most recently with Parkview Occupational Health Clinic. Dr. Towles led the surgery team that successfully operated on civil rights leader, Vernon Jordan, after he was shot in the back and critically wounded by a sniper in the parking lot of the Marriott Hotel, May 29, 1980. Surviving are his wife Regena; his five daughters, Stephene Terry and Stacy Towles-Moore, M.D. of Atlanta, Ga., Yolanda Tucker of Christiansburg, Va., Elena Towles of Charlotte, N.C. and Aveda L'Heureux of Fort Wayne; two sons, Darrell of Welch, W.Va. and Milan Blackmon of Fort Wayne; two sisters, Sara Frances Philyaw of Philadelphia and Juanita Hooks of Williamson, W.Va.; a brother, John Towles of Williamson, W.Va.; eight grandchildren; and other relatives. Service is 11 a.m. Friday at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1331 Gay St., Fort Wayne. Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m., with open reflections from 7 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the church. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials on behalf of Dr. Jeff H. Towles, can be made to the National Cancer Society and the United Negro College Fund. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home (260) 422-6958. For condolences and guest registration visit www.ellis-funeralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Jan. 27, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeff Towles

Not sure what to say?





Francine Banks

February 26, 2004

The Harvey Family is deeply saddened by the Death of Dr. Towles, who was always there for us wheen need as a Physician, and as a Spiritual Friend. He was truly an inspiration to us and made a strong impact on our lives. He will be greatly missed.

Todd Walsh

February 17, 2004

Elena and family,

My Sincere Sympathy to you and your family during this time. Dr. Towles was a great man, I will always have much respect for him. It was truly an honor to know him.

James & Judy Boyd

February 15, 2004

Dr. Towles was our friend and Dr. for over 30 years. We counted on him for everything. I guess God needed an angel He could count on so he took our sweet, precious, caring friend home with him. We will miss him more than words can say. Our deepest sympathy to his wonderful family.

Glover Smiley, Jr

February 9, 2004

Dr. Towles will truly be missed, He was a loving son of West Virginia State College!!!!

Glover L. Smiley,Jr.- Executive Secretary - West Virginia State College National Alumni Association

James M. Garrison, Jr. M.D.

February 7, 2004

My prayers and condolences go out to the Towles family.

Dallas Brown

February 6, 2004

I am proud and happy to have known Jeff during our college days. I think most of his schoolmates at WVSC could see what what he would achieve in the future. Jeff can rest in peace and the family can take comfort in the fact that he was a good and decent man.

James A Manning

February 6, 2004

From the very first day of my enrollment at West Virginia State College in Institute, WV; I admired the steadfast courage demonstrated by Jeff Towles. I was to him a "little" brother who needed guidance and counseling by a disciplinarian. Jeff live in Room 301 and I lived in Room 303 of Atkinson Hall. Some nights when the noise level rose above justified levels, Jeff would thump on the wall telling Don Bowser, Carol Poindexter, Slick Holland and me to quiet down. That is a memory that came to me when I heard of his passing this morning. A most wonderful Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Brother whose dedication to humankind will always be remembered and cherished. To his family and sister Juanita, my classmate, who I knew quite well; You are the salt of the earth and Gob will bless you eternally. All of my love and prayers are with you.

Valerie Brooks

January 30, 2004

To the family of Dr. Towles:

You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you.

Sincerely,

Valerie Brooks

Kimm Gorman

January 30, 2004

To the family of Dr. Jeff Towles: A fine man, mentor, father and husband, but most of all a fine doctor. He will be greatly missed by a community who will forever remember his dedication to the medical profession. Your work has truly been done. Rest in Peace Dr. Towles and may God continue to be with your loved ones.



Kimm Gorman, Columbus, Ohio

Fort Wayne African American Cancer Alliance

January 30, 2004

Fort Wayne African American Cancer Alliance (FWAACA), Inc. extends heartfelt sympathy to the family of Dr. Jeff Towles.



Our lives are but fine weavings

That God and we prepare

Each life becomes a fabric planned

And fashioned in His care.



We may not always see just how

the weavings intertwine.

But, we must trust the Master's hand

And follow His design.



For He can view the pattern

Upon the upper side,

While we must look from underneath

And trust in Him to guide.



Sometimes a strand of sorrow

Is added to His plan,

And though it's difficult for us,

We still must understand.



That it's He who fills the shuttle,

It's He who knows what's best,

So we must weave in patience

And leave to Him the rest...



Not till the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Shall God unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why...



The dark threads are as needed

in the Weaver's skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.



May God continually comfort and uplift you.

Sharon Brown

January 30, 2004

To: Regena & Family



The love, grace and mercy of God will get you and your family thru this difficult and sad time. Dr. Towles was a wonderful and talented "brotha". His goodness touched so many lives in this community and many more across this USA. The memories of his deeds/works will live on forever. Your husband was a great man. If you need anything that I can help with, do not hesitate to call me. Peace and good thoughts to all of you.

Frank and Bettye Davis

January 30, 2004

We are praying for the Towles' family. God bless!

Barbara Robertson Fort WayneIN, Debra K.Church Houston,TX

January 30, 2004

To The Family of Dr. Jeff Towles and Regena:

We both are sending our condolences. Dr. Towles will be truly missed. Our prayers are with you and May God Bless You.

Greg Beasley

January 29, 2004

To the Family of Dr. Towles,



I just learned of the passing of your loved one who was the source of my early inspiration as a professional. In addition to being a friend, 'Doc' was my family advisor and surgeon. Please have a degree of comfort in knowing there are others that would love for Jeff to still be with us. I do believe he's in heaven NOW and that with God's grace, you will join him at your time. I want to share with you that Vernon Jorndan told me years ago that he thought Dr. Towles was not just a brilliant surgeon, but a Saint.



May God bless your spirits during this season of grief. I am blessed and honored to have been a friend of Dr. Jeff H. Towles.



Greg L. Beasley

"Preponderance of the small wins"

Sandra Thomas

January 29, 2004

Dear Regena and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You have my sympathy and may God Bless You.

This message comes to you on behave of the Thomas Family.

Robert (Sonny) Turner

January 29, 2004

My thoughts are with you

Wishing you heart felt sympathy in your time of sorrows. I had the distant privilege of working for Dr. Towles for approximately twenty or more years. He was an excellent boss and a true friend. He treated me and my family as his family. I know you will miss him more, but I also will miss him.

Louis & Joan Dinwiddie

January 29, 2004

To Regena & The Entire Towles Family,

You are in our thoughts and prayers, may God continue to bless and keep you. Our Church and the community has suffered a great loss.
Dr. Towles was people person, and will be missed.

Sebrena Rogers/Davis

January 29, 2004

To the Towles family. Dr. Towles saved my life in 1966. My mother lucile Rogers Grundy was also a patient of his. Coincidentally my son Ray is one of milan best friends. Dr Towles was a mentor to us all. May God be with you all in your time of bereavement, and give you the love and strength to guide you. Sincerely Sebrena and family.

Lynn Greuter

January 28, 2004

To Regena and Milan,

You both have my sympathy and prayers. I was so saddened to hear the loss of "Doc" he was a great man and always so kind. And I'll never forget your special day of that April 16th. Take care and know I will be thinking of You and Milan.

God bless you both,



Lynn Greuter

Brian Tomlinson

January 28, 2004

My codolences to the Towles family.



I finished my medical training under Dr.Towles in 1987. I remember his parting words to me. "Remember,Always be nice to people"."I don`t care if you have learned anything else,Always be nice!".

Dr. Towles was a kind and gentle giant. He was a very fine surgeon. He was a good and giving friend. He was a blessing in my life. And I know much more than this...



He was beautiful!



God, please grant Dr.Towles eternal life with you.

Thomas & T. Jean Miller Miller

January 28, 2004

PGWM Juanita Hooks, May you feel the loving touch of those who care and be comforted. We are thinking about you at this difficult time and sharing in your sorrow.

Thomas H. Miller, & PGWM T. Jean Miller

Pamela Goodwin-Williams

January 28, 2004

To the Towles Family,



You are in my prayers. My father Annanias Brooks, Sr. was a good friend of Dr. Towles. He will be missed, I am sure, by many.



Another time to lean on Jesus.



Pamela

Zena Moore'White

January 28, 2004

My Condolences and Sympathy to the Family For the lost of Dr. Towles. His resting in peace. Dr. Towles performed my first surgery i had when i was 16 years old and it was successful. Dr. Towles was a bless man he will be missed.



GOD BLESS THE FAMILY

ZENA MOORE'WHITE & FAMILY

Letha Noehren

January 28, 2004

Sincerest Sympathy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Robert and Letha Noehren

Kinzi Stevenson

January 28, 2004

To the family,



Dr. Towles will be missed greatly. He has inspired me and encouraged me in my journey thru medical school. He always told me to put God first and everything will fall in place. I will treasure his advice throughout my career.

Nancy Riggs (Hendry)

January 28, 2004

Regena, You have been a part of my life for 30 years now and I have loved you like a sister. Milan, I met you as a new born and watched as you matured into a fine young man. Unfortunately, I didn't get that many years to love Jeff. My heart aches for you, my friend, and if there is anyway I can lighten your load, please, please don't hesitate to let me know. I know your faith will help you through this difficult time and I'll pray for you. I love you both, Nancy

Bonita Howe

January 28, 2004

Regena, Milen and Family,

My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Dr. Towles will never be forgotten. His memories will live forever in our hearts.

God bless you, Much Love, Bonita

Renee' Vann-Sims

January 28, 2004

My condolences go to the Towles family during your time of bereavement. Dr Towles literally saved my life in 1986. I respect Dr Towles for honoring my believes regarding blood transfusions. He was an impeccable physician and surgeon. Dr Towles was a positive role model for the Ft. Wayne Community. Thank You for sharing him with us.

Amelia J. Culpher

January 28, 2004

My the Good Lord keep you strong in this time of sorrow.



God Bless

Lisa Maydwell

January 28, 2004

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful man. Fort Wayne has truly lost a great role model and humanitarian. Regina,my prayers are with you and your family.

Dan Howe

January 27, 2004

Regena and family:



I will fondly remember my association with Jeff over the past 30 years as he was always a gentleman, an advocate for the youth, and a good neighbor. Our community is a better place because of Jeff Towles.



My thoughts and prayers are with you all,



Dan Howe

Audrey and Willie Sharpe

January 27, 2004

We extend deepest sympathy to the bereaved family. Be comforted by the knowledge that Dr. Jeff H. Towles was truly beloved by many. He was a man of strength, a man of compassion, a man of wisdom. He recognized problems, and he worked diligently to help solve them. He was a champion of all humankind.



It is our prayer that fond memories will soon help you to move beyond the grief you now feel and take you to periods and places of joy.

Annie Thomas

January 27, 2004

Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Thinking of the family at this difficult time.





Annie thomas and Family

Joni Heck

January 27, 2004

My deepest sympathy in the passing of Dr. Towles. Dr. Towles treated me several times in the past few years at Occupational Health. He was such a kind and sincere gentleman. He will be deeply missed. God bless.

Judy Amstutz

January 27, 2004

I was a nurse at Magnovox plant 3. that's where I met

Dr. Towles. He was a wonderful, gentleman, Dr. and I looked forward to the days when he was ther. My condolences to Regina and his family He will be missed by so many..

Belinda Jackson

January 27, 2004

Dr. Jeff, as I called him was a devoted Christian man to all. At the age of sixteen I was one of his first patients. He performed an emergency appendictomy on me and took great care of me. My prayers Regina are with you and yours at this time of your bereavement. Keep looking to the hills for help and strength for surely all our help comes from the Lord. He is the maker, creator, and sustainer of everything. May God continue to keep you and yours in his power. With much love, Belinda

Norene Maley (Taylor)

January 27, 2004

Regna,

I am very sorry to hear about Dr. Towels.I am thinking of you.If there

is any thing I can do just let me know. Norene

Roosevelt Haywood

January 27, 2004

Dr. Towles was my also my doctor until I move to Ohio in 1984. I have never been able to find a doctor to replacement his bedside manner, wonderful sense of humor nor his professionalism.



To The Family: May God Bless you.

Earnestine Haywood

January 27, 2004

Dr. Towles was my doctor for over 20 years up until I moved to Ohio. He was not only a great doctor, but a wonderful humanitain. He will greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to his family. May God remain in your hearts throughout this sad time.

Darryl Dyer

January 27, 2004

To the Family of Dr. Towles,



Dr. Towles was, for many years until their death, good friends with my mother and father, Herman and Pallas Dyer. I remember him as being always a man of good cheer and a strong male influence in the Ft. Wayne community. I am deeply grieved to learn of his death and I offer my most sincere condolences to you in your time of sadness. Please find some comfort in the fact that his was a life well lived.



God Bless you all,



Darryl L. Dyer

Jernice Watson

January 27, 2004

Dr. Towels took out time to encourage me during my early years in nursing . This gave me confidence in my abilities and skill.To Regena and other family members keeping looking unto the hills for all of your help will come from the Lord.

Lora and Catherine Colby

January 27, 2004

Hello,

We are sending are our love and prayers to the Towles family. My grandma knew the Dr. very well. She worked in surgery at St. Joseph Hospital for like 25 years. He was also my mom and my grandmas doctor. I guess I met him when I was very little and I said, "he is not black he is brown." I never lived that down. It was odd to hear of his passing because my mom and grandma spoke of him often. He was truly a great doctor to my grandma. She loved his spirit and unselfishness to help others. I wanted to write and say hello and that we are thinking of you all. My grandma passed away on Feb. 19, 2001. She died of cancer also. But at least my grandma and all other family and friends are there to greet him in heaven! Take care and you are in my prayers!



With Love,

Lora and Catherine Colby (my mom)

Ralph Charlton

January 27, 2004

My prayers are with Dr. Towles' family, he was truly a great man and an inspiration to many. May God bless you in this time of bereavement.

peggy stephens-williams

January 27, 2004

Regena, Milan, and family,



I send you my deepest sympathy for the lost of your loved one. I know he will be remembered the most for his medical practice. I will remember him the most for the care and concern that he had for Milan and his studies when Milan was a student at Shawnee.



May god be with you during this difficult time.



Mrs. Williams(former Shawnee teacher)

BARBARA & KEITH TRACEY

January 27, 2004

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO REGINA AND FAMILY. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH SUCH A DEDICATED CHRISTIAN DOCTOR.

dave shultz

January 27, 2004

my sympathys to all the family

Chris Costin

January 27, 2004

My deepest sympathy to Regena and family. Dr. Towles was a wonderful & kind man to everyone.

Todd Campbell

January 27, 2004

I am wanting to send my condolences to the family of Dr. Towles. I recently had the opportunity to meet this wonderful man at the Parkview Medical Clinic. The "surgery" that he did on my finger from a work injury was very successful. I looked forward to my follow up visits to see Dr. Towles because he was such a caring and soft spoken gentlemen. I pray to God for comfort and healing to his Family.

Linda Walsh

January 27, 2004

To the family of Dr. Towles. He was my doctor for over 20 years and also my employer for 5 years. He has touched the lives of many. I feel the world is a better place because of him. My prayers are with you. Much Love.

Arnetia Copeland-Peggins

January 27, 2004

My prayers and condolences are with the entire family as you go through this very difficult time.

kay walters holloway

January 27, 2004

MAY GOD BLESS AND BE WITH THE FAMILY OF DR.TOWLES.A GOOD MAN AND CARING DR. FOR ALL OF US AT MAGNAVOX FOR MANY YEARS.. GODS BLESSING.

Glory Ellis

January 27, 2004

Regina your family is in my prayer.

Rev. Junius Pressey, Jr.

January 27, 2004

Since 1972, when I first became aware of Dr. Jeff Towles, I have found him to be a man of great integrity. In my involvement for the betterment of the Fort Wayne community, we are certainly going to miss this silent gaint, who was most effective because of his heart to serve others..

To the family remember these words, " Yea, though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death. You shall fear no evil: for the Lord is with thee; His rod and staff shall continue to comfort you during this time.

Be of good cheers for Dr Towles died in the faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Renee' Robison

January 27, 2004

I thank God for your life! Thanks for everything Uncle Jay you will really be missed!!

Douglas Jackson

January 27, 2004

Douglas Jackson Jr. & family.

Warrick L. Barrett, MD

January 26, 2004

God Bless You, Jeff. Please continue to do your best in the spiritual realm.

Showing 1 - 61 of 61 results

Make a Donation
in Jeff Towles's name

Memorial Events
for Jeff Towles

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Jeff's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jeff Towles's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more