Ashtabula, Ohio - Douglas Towner passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on December 9, 2025, from Parkinson's Disease and a recent bout of sepsis.

Doug was born on February 2, 1938, in Fort Benton, Montana, to Lorena and Sam Towner.

He was valedictorian of his high school class, graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, worked as a civil engineer for the Navy Department in Maryland, attended Georgetown University law school for one year, and later obtained an M.B.A. at Kent State University.

Doug met his wife and life partner, Mary Lou, in Washington D.C., in 1962, married in 1963, and then moved to Ashtabula in 1966, starting with Cabot Corporation as a process engineer. His 34-year career took him through many positions, including Plant Manager and then Director of Process Global Engineering, before retiring in 2000. Upon retirement, the company set up the Douglas A. Towner Science Scholarship, which was awarded to two local students each year.

Doug was quite involved in community endeavors throughout his lifetime, holding positions as President of Ohio Chemical Council, United Way, and Kiwanis Organization, and at Mother of Sorrows Church as a lector, eucharistic minister, and with school activities while raising their family of three children. Doug also served several years on the Kent College Board when the school of Allied Medicine was built, and twenty years on the Harbor-Topky Memorial Library Board. Doug's personal loves outside of his family were golf (he had 2 holes-in-one!), jogging, reading, winemaking, bridge, joke telling, sports, investment club, traveling the world and making many new friends, and following the activities and sports of his grandchildren. He would have also been a Jeopardy champion if given the chance, and he often joked about making sure to include his Nobel Peace Prize in his obituary.

Doug is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Mary Lou; children Lynn (Bob) Czup, Greg (Terri) Towner, Amy Towner; grandchildren Raechal Towner (Dewaun), Ryan Towner, Austin (Leah) Czup, Emily (Scott) Hake, Meagan Towner-McCormick; great grandchildren Elijah and Isaac Evans, and step grandchildren Kristen Pyles and Kurtis Crockett, step great grandchildren Justen Estrada, and Christian, Carter and Kaden Crockett; Brother Gary Towner (Kathleen) and sister Laurie Koski (Steven), as well as four nephews and their families.

When asked how he was doing, Doug's answer was, "I'm the same sweet lovable guy I always have been!" And he always will be. In their years of partnership, Doug and Mary Lou always enjoyed happy hour together with a kiss, so please raise a glass to Doug and his life well lived.

Visitation is on Sunday, December 14th from 3:00-6:00pm at Fleming-Billman Funeral Home, 526 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula.

Mass of Christian Burial is Monday, December 15th at 11:00am at Our Lady of Peace, 1200 E. 21st St., Ashtabula.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John High School, Parkinson's Foundation, or a charity of your choice.