Robert Arthur “Art” Towndrow, age 74, passed away unexpectedly in Prairie Village, Kansas on Sunday, February 28, 2016 while enjoying his morning walk.
Art was born April 16, 1941 to Robert and Laverna (Happy) Towndrow in Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1959.
Art joined the United States Navy in 1958, went active duty in 1960 where he served as an Aviation Technician; he retired with the rank of Master Chief of the Command of Avionics in 1983; he was very proud of the time he spent serving his country. After retiring from the Navy, Art worked for several years in the private Technology Sector before retiring and moving to Raton, New Mexico to be closer to his aging parents and to follow his dream of being a cowboy. He worked on the VanSweden Ranch for many years as well as raising his own cattle and enjoying his horses. His grandchildren spent many hours riding horseback with him, which was a source of great joy to him! At his 45th high school reunion, Art reconnected with Nancy McArthur of Prairie Village, Kansas and life changed again. They have enjoyed spending time together and traveling the world for the past 11 years.
Art was preceded in death by his father, Robert Towndrow on June 3, 2012 and his nephew, Lee Montgomery Towndrow on October 11, 1993.
He is survived by his mother, Laverna Towndrow, Raton, NM; son, Kevin (Lisa) Towndrow, Raton, NM; daughter, Kim (Brad) Atwater, Folsom, NM; grandchildren, Amber (Warren) Smith, Roswell, NM; Robert “Bobbie” Towndrow, Virginia Beach, VA; Brandy (Chris) Schear, Albuquerque, NM; Jamie (Chris) Moehring, Des Moines, NM; James “Tremor” (Jessica) Atwater, Canyon, TX; Kelsey (fiancé Colton) Towndrow; great-grandchildren, Jadyn Atwater Smith, Braeden Schear, Tucker Moehring, Hunter Moehring & Adley Schear; brother, Ron (Michaelene “Mikie”) Towndrow; nephews, Chad & Doug Towndrow of Kansas City, KS; mother of his children, Carolyn Sue Towndrow, Folsom, NM and special companion, Nancy McArthur, Prairie Village, KS and her children Sean (Amanda) McArthur Marietta, GA; Kelly (Ann) McArthur, Leawood, KS; Julie (Ken) Coda, Stilwell, KS and Nancy’s grandchildren John McArthur, Margaret McArthur, Nick Basso, Courtney Coda, Colby Coda, Katie Coda & Mackenzie Coda. Art is also survived by numerous cousins and dear friends.
Funeral Services for Robert Arthur “Art” Towndrow will be held on Saturday March 5, 2016 at 2:00p.m. at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home in Raton, NM. Burial will follow at Fairmont Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Kansas City, Kansas in the near future.
In honor of Art’s service to his country, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/) in memory of Art.
