Dudley Porch Towne Jr.

TOWNE, Dudley Porch Jr., received the gift of eternal life Friday, September 11, 2009. Dudley was devoted to his family, his friends and the community, and he served them all with integrity and accomplishment. Loved and respected by all who knew him, he will be greatly missed. He was born in Tampa May 6, 1921, the second of three children of Marie Menendez and Dudley Porch Towne, and graduated from H. B. Plant High School. An avid and accomplished sailor, he grew up racing sailboats on Tampa Bay. He interrupted his college education to enlist in the U.S. Navy and was sent to Midshipman' s School. After graduation, he served in the Pacific where he was the commanding officer of a sub chaser, the youngest commander of an American ship at the time. After the war, he completed his education at the University of Florida, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, graduating with a bachelor' s degree in economics. He continued his Naval service in the Korean War and in the Naval Reserve, retiring with the rank of captain. Dudley' s outstanding leadership and dedication, combined with his strong work ethic, led to both personal and professional success. He came to Lakeland in 1954, and for 30 years served as the administrator of the Watson Clinic and was active in related professional organizations. He loved his clinic family. He served as president, director and treasurer of Medical Group Management Association and was a founder of the Florida MGMA. He was a member of the National Commission on the Containment of Health Care Costs and a fellow of the American College of Group Practice Administrators from whom he received the Harry Harwick Award for outstanding leadership and education in the field of group practice. His commitment to giving back to the community led to his serving as president of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Greater Lakeland, the Lakeland Boys Club and the Church of the Resurrection Parish Council. He served on the boards of the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Florida Federal Savings and Loan, Kiwanis Club and Polk County Hospital. He received the Chamber of Commerce' s George W. Jenkins Award for outstanding leadership over the years to the Chamber and Lakeland. The same zeal Dudley applied to career and community he carried to his personal interests and passions. He was an accomplished tennis player, teaching his entire family to play the game. He continued his love of sailing, first racing small class boats with his children. He then moved on to cruising boats, all named "Towneship," which he enjoyed with wife, Laura. He loved both the competition of local regattas and spending time with family and friends on the water, and he used his sharp navigational and racing skills to win many trophies. Later in life he developed a passion for golf and shared that love with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, Richard Martin Towne, and son-in-law, Emmett McCall. He is survived by Laura, his wife of 62 years; son, Robert M. Towne (Janie); daughters, Allison Towne McCall and Laura Dudley Towne Allsopp; grand-children, Laura Jane Towne, Katie Towne, Mac McCall, Robert McCall, Allison Mabe and Skip Allsopp; great-grandchildren, Molly Mabe and Phillip Mabe; sister, Roberta Towne Smith; brother, John Mack Towne; nieces and nephews; and cherished friends. A memorial service will take place 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at Church of the Resurrection, 3720 Old Road 37, Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Watson Clinic Foundation, 100 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801, or the charity of the donor' s choice. Arrangements made by Heath Funeral Chapel