Ronald M. Towas

Ronald M. Towas, age 72, lifelong resident of South Lyon, passed away August 15, 2018.   He was born April 7, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Paul and Stella (nee Miazga) Towas.  He proudly served his country with the United States Army during Vietnam.  He served in the 47 ^th Calvary Unit as a Reconnaissance Scout and patrolled the border between North and South Korea.  Ron was united in marriage to Martha A. Parrish on August 23, 2002, and they spent almost sixteen years together.

Ron retired from Chrysler Automotive on July 31, 1998 after 33 years with the company.  He was a “successful retiree” who used his time well and was very disciplined about maintaining a productive routine.  An active member of the Peoples Church in Pinckney, he served on the Outreach Team, helping with such activities as the Memorial Day Hot Dog giveaway, feeding and housing the homeless, participating in the coffee ministry for several years, and helping lead Divorce Recovery.

An avid hunter and fisherman; Ron hunted deer, waterfowl, and turkey and loved walleye fishing.  He enjoyed spending time in the Gladwin area and Whitefish Bay in the U.P.  Ron was a jack of all trades who could fix almost anything and either make it work again or repurpose it.  His projects were always well thought out and he demonstrated great patience while completing them.  During the summer months he enjoyed working in his flower gardens.  During the winter months, he spent a lot of time scrolling wooden art projects such as angels, wildlife plaques, and ornaments. His specialty, though, was the beautiful crosses he made using many different patterns.  He could have sold them but he preferred to give them away to friends and family. His woodworking skills also included building birdhouses and miniature log home reproductions.  Ron had a very soft heart camouflaged by a sometimes gruff demeanor.  He surrounded those he loved with lots of fun, laughter, and good-natured teasing.  He was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, and friend.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Martha A. Towas; his children, Angela Arnold, Victoria (Craig) Rohrer, and Ronald (Loretta) Towas, II; his step children, Shana (Craig) Despres and Vaughn (Whitnie) Parrish and his 11 grandchildren: Cassandra, Garret, Dylan, Madelyn, Symona, Jacob, Grace, Luke, Angeleeya, Kelsey and Kendra. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, 1 sister, and 5 step siblings.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with a time of gathering beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Peoples Church, 500 W. Main Street, Pinckney.  Pastor Patrick Bonnie will officiate the service.  Mr. Towas will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project , P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675