Dennis Towne

On August 10, 2021, Dennis Towne, 74, breathed his last earthly breath in Sun City West, Arizona. He passed away due to complications from Agent Orange and covid-19.



His entire life was a miracle. He survived the jungles of Vietnam, cardiac issues, bike crashes, and Agent Orange related cancers. He was happy and loved his life and those around him. The American Legion was very important to him, and he was Commander of Post 12 in Wickenburg, Arizona. Forever the encourager and supporter to his family, his words often calmed the soul. He knew God had performed many miracles in his and his family's lives.



Denny was naturally goofy. He loved his Arizona life the past 13 years, his Harley, the desert, the backyard bunnies and birds he fed daily, and we know that he loved his bride of 45 years, Marilyn, most of all. What a team.



Denny was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1946, and graduated from Braintree High School. He grew up in a house with three sisters and a mother, trying to share a single bathroom with them! He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1965, and spent time at the Great Lakes Training Center in Illinois, to include Electronic Technician Training, the USS Picking in California, S.E.R.E school at the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, and was then sent to My Tho, South Vietnam. He became a construction mechanic in the Seabees, taking mortar and small arms fire on the river boats, and was there during the Tet Offensive. (CM3, Construction Mechanic, 3rd class). He was honorably discharged from the Navy in Davisville, Rhode Island, in the Mobile Construction Battalion 71, in 1969.



Denny married Marilyn in 1976 in Maine. He spent most of the next few decades as an automotive technician and was involved in the American Legion in Bridgton, Maine. They raised their two children in Denmark, Maine, then ran away from the cold and snow to Arizona in 2008. Denny lived a wonderful, happy life riding his Harley and enjoying the heat, and not having to shovel snow.



Denny was predeceased by his father Frederick Towne, mother Martha Towne, sister Cynthia Towne, and daughter Tammy Towne. He is survived by his wife Marilyn of Arizona, daughter Rebecca of Maine, and son Ben Towne (and wife Renee) of Maine. Denny is also survived by his sister Patricia Marini of Massachusetts, and sister Judith Kiernan-Towne (and wife Maxine) of Massachusetts. He is survived by many more family members. His family is so proud of him in every way and will forever hold his fighting spirit in our hearts. We will love him forever.







Arrangements are as follows:







(Memorial Service) Thursday, August 19th:



0930 hours in Wickenburg, Arizona at the American Legion, Post 12. A videographer will be present for those who cannot make it, or feel safer watching it from home. The video should be available online sometime the next day.



1045 hours, procession of any and all bikes (any vehicles can follow the bikes) up to Prescott National Cemetery via the Spars. These bikes/vehicles MUST leave the Legion at this time. Denny would love to see all of the bikes.



1110 hours, Patriot Guard Riders will escort the family from the Legion, with Denny's Harley on a trailer, via the Spars, up to Prescott National Cemetery.



1235 hours, Circle of Honor with Military ceremony at 1300 hours at Prescott National Cemetery, where Denny will rest at the Columbarium.



(Informal Celebration of Life) Friday, August 20th:



1300 hours (1pm): American Legion Post 12, Wickenburg, AZ. There will be food, with cake and ice cream (Denny's favorite!), and there will be time to share Denny stories. Oh, that should be rich!



Everyone is welcome to attend any event they wish to.