Paul Arthur Towkach

1937 - 2015

TOWKACH Paul Arthur Towkach, 77, passed away July 29, 2015. He was born on October 27, 1937 to the late Emil and Lillian Towkach in Buffalo, New York. After graduating high school, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served our country for 23 years, and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 2. During his career in the U.S. Navy, Paul served on multiple aircraft carriers throughout the world and served in the Vietnam War. His last deployment supported U.S. Atlantic Fleet Operations with US Navy Helicopter Squadron HS-1 (based in Jacksonville, Florida), aboard the nuclear powered Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz. Prior squadron deployments supported U.S Pacific Fleet Operations, where he was on the team that wrote the Navy's maintenance manual for the F-14 Tomcat and supported the 1st deployment of that fighter aircraft on the USS Hancock. Through the course of his service, he received numerous commendations, achievement medals and service medals. After his Naval retirement, Paul moved to Jacksonville, FL to begin a career with the Jacksonville Electric Co., where he worked for 20 years. In 1960, Paul married Jo Edna Lee, and they were together until her passing in 2006. In 2010, Paul married and is survived by his wife, Shirley Hemphill Towkach. In retirement, Paul's love of airplanes continued to be a part of his life, as he was an avid RC pilot, member of the Gateway RC Flying Club and RC plane builder. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, baseball umpire, motorcyclist, naval aircraft historian and casual poker player. He is survived by his daughter, Tina Jordan, his two sons, Timothy and Thomas, his sister, Patricia Gracz, and 5 grandchildren: Christine Jordan, Ryan Jordan, Caroline Towkach, Paul D. Towkach and Shelby Towkach, and his great-grandson, David Jordan. A service will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218, at 2:30pm on Tuesday, September 1st. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, please view the family video and sign the family guest book at www.HardageGiddensOaklawnChapel.com.