Stanley Towne

Middleburgh- Stanley Vanden Towne, 84, of Middleburgh, NY, beloved husband of Marlene (King) for 57 years, passed away at home on Thursday January, 30, 2014 surrounded by his family. Stan was born on September 24, 1929 in Potsdam, NY, son of the late Deidrich and Connie (Vanden Bogard) Towne. He attended Potsdam Central School and graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a Bachelors and Masters in Education. Stan served as an educator and administrator in Northville, Broadalbin, Amsterdam, General Brown, Little Valley, Middleburgh, Draper and Schoharie, where he retired after 34 years. For many years Stan and his wife ran a roadside vegetable stand on Route 30 specializing in organic tomatoes and fresh-picked beets which came with a game of horseshoes.

Stan's life was filled with his passion for competition. He excelled at the game of horseshoes, winning nine New York State Championships. He medaled three times at the Senior Olympics. In 2006 he was honored to be elected to the NYS Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame. He was a first-rate bowler who was still competing six weeks prior to his passing. He was elected to the Potsdam High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Summers often found him out on the golf course.

Stan enjoyed many creative outlets. He was known as, "King of the Whirlybirds," which to this day are flying all over the world. He was a talented woodworker and folk artist. The colorful signs he made announced many church events. After retirement, he and his wife traveled all over the world.

He served in the Strategic Air Command division of the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He was a 50-year plus member of the American Legion. Stan was a member of the Middleburgh United Methodist Church for over 40 years and served as President of the Trustees for a number of years. He was County Director for the Schoharie County Retired Teachers Association and was active in the Eastern Zone, NYSTRA. He was the former Treasurer of The DAM Concerned Citizens.

Besides his loving wife Marlene, he leaves behind three children and six grandchildren: Connie and her husband Jeff Rauhauser of Scotia and their children Corie and Kristopher (Jennifer) Rowe, Jack and Jo Anne Towne of Wilton and their children Dolan and Liam, Keri and her husband Edward Greenaway of Coxsackie and their children John and Fallon. He is also survived by his brother Deidrich Towne and his wife Shirley and 8 nieces and nephews.

His family would especially like to thank the Catskill Area Hospice for their compassionate care during this difficult time.

Funeral Service will be on Monday February 3, at 11 AM at the United Methodist Church, 281 Main Street, Middleburgh, NY. Friends may call at Palmer and Shaylor Funeral Home, 134 River Street, Middleburgh, NY on Sunday February 2, from 2 to 5. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Middleburgh United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 508, Middleburgh, NY 12122.