Carolyn Towers

Carolyn Marie (Lamoureux) Towers joined her beloved husband in heaven, reunited and once again dancing together as they so enjoyed during their 64 years of marriage.

A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, her warmth and nurturing spirit that knew immeasurable love is already sorely missed.

Carolyn was born in Churdan on May 14, 1935, to her loving parents, Rosella (Roper) and Jules Lamoureux. Her father, Jules, succumbed to cancer when she was only 9 years old and thus began her industrious nature to always help when and where she was needed. 

The oldest of three children, she was bright, beautiful and adored by her brothers and many friends. She was always there for Gene and Denny, staying up late to make sure they finished their assignments and keeping them out of trouble with their teachers. 

She would join Denny after school to watch and dance along to “American Bandstand,” mastering the steps. They were even featured in a spotlight dance by a disc jockey during a celebration in the new gym at the high school. She was a cheerleader for four years, voted most beautiful in the senior class, graduating from Churdan High School and later attended Briar Cliff University.

On Feb. 4, 1954, she married her high school sweetheart and lifelong dance partner, Duane “Riley” Towers, in a small ceremony in San Diego where he was stationed with the Navy.  Moving to California was a great adventure and there they welcomed the first of their eight children.

Together, they moved their growing family back to Churdan, where she was known throughout the county for her amazing cooking and baking with cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies among our favorites. Even when pressed by a tight budget and busy schedule, she always managed to be impeccably dressed and enjoyed sewing for the family.  She took great care in making her house a home, seeking out antiques and refinishing furniture.  

After the 4-H and farm chores were finished, the family would spend summer afternoons with a picnic and swimming at Spring Lake. 

Carolyn was an engaged and longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as an officer and was dedicated to her Catholic faith. She demonstrated to us the joy in giving to others by delivering Meals on Wheels, volunteering at the hospital, organizing prayer circles and even vacuuming the church if that’s what needed to be done. 

She would go to any lengths to stay in touch with her family, mastering Facebook, email and text messaging so she could easily reach us. 

Grandma Carolyn was always excited to hear about our lives and encouraged us in whatever we pursued. She was there to take our picture at prom, stand beside us when we graduated high school and college, and when there was a wedding to celebrate, she was the last to leave the dance floor to be sure we could pay tribute to her with a sing-along to “Sweet Caroline.”

Her love for her family knew no bounds, she made each of us feel special, proving that our large family didn’t divide her attention, but only multiplied her adoration.

She was the strong, stoic yet sweet matriarch of our family and we will dearly miss her greeting us at the door on Oak Hill Drive with a hug, kiss and something to nourish our hearts and our bellies.    

Carolyn Towers is lovingly survived by her children: Dan Towers, of Churdan; Catherine Towers, of Covolo, Calif.; Tim and Julie Towers, of Churdan; Teresa (Teri) and Dr. Patrick Harr, of Maryville, Mo.; Michael (Mick) Towers, of Adel; Tami and Joe Nugent, of Shawnee, Kan.; Joseph Towers, of Kansas City; and Sarah and Matt Burnett, of Ankeny; grandchildren: Brian and Crystal Towers, of Ankeny; Kristin and Joe Brookover, of Urbandale; Justin and Diana Towers, of Jefferson; John and Libby Towers, of Churdan; Nicholas and Mary Glasnapp, of Dallas; Traci and Mark Kennedy, of West Des Moines; Eileen and Danny Splendore, of Perry; Jenny and Will Nicholson, of Jefferson; Becky and Matt Halling, of Perry; Joseph Towers, of Churdan; Erin and Megan Nugent, of Shawnee, Kan.; Layla, Harrison and Greyson Burnett, of Ankeny; great-grandchildren: Taya, Vivian, Nathan, Natalie, Noah, Anna, Claudia, Claire, Hayden, Thomas, Blake, Scarlett, Bartney; and brothers: Gene Lamoureux, of Holland, Mich.; and Dennis (Karen) Lamoureux, of Greene, Iowa. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Duane Towers; parents; stepfather Rex McCormick; daughter-in-law Sharon Towers; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Sam and Anne Anderson; and nephews Kevin Towers, Kenny Lamoureux and Rick Anderson.

Mass was held April 30 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan with Father John Gerald officiating. Burial was made in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.

Musical selections were played by organist Lois Last and selected songs were sung by members of the Carey family. 

Casket bearers were granddaughters Kristin Brookover, Traci Kennedy, Eileen Splendore, Jenny Nicholson, Becky Halling, Erin Nugent, Megan Nugent and Layla Burnett. 

Visitation was held April 29 at St. Columbkille Catholic Church with vigil services led by Father John Gerald.

Contributions in her honor can be made to the Churdan Community Betterment Fund, specifically for the Playground Park Project.