Kenneth “Keith” Towne Jr. OCTOBER 9, 2021 Kenneth “Keith” Towne Jr., 82, passed away on October 9th, 2021 at Brookside Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Castle Rock, CO. After winning his battle with several different major illnesses for a decade and a half, his earthly body finally failed, and he was called to his heavenly home.
Kenneth “Keith” Towne Jr. was born on December 30th, 1938 to Kenneth Keith Towne Sr. and Alberta June (Barkdoll) Towne. He was raised in Scottsbluff, NE with his parents and his younger brother, Marvin. Keith graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1956. After completion of High School, Keith joined the United States Navy, and served his country aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La. Keith achieved the rate of PH03, and was awarded a Good Conduct Medal for his service. After his honorable discharge from the US Navy, Keith returned to Scottsbluff, where he met a beautiful young gal named Ginger Ann Schmunk in the summer of 1960.
Keith and Ginger were married on December 9th, 1960. They had four children, Terry Shaun (born 1962), Jeffrey Todd (born 1965), Traci Lynn (born 1966) and Trevor Lee (born 1967). Keith and Ginger raised their children in Scottsbluff and Gering, NE. Keith started his career at Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Co. as a Serviceman in 1964. During his 30+ year career with the company, he worked his way through the ranks to become the District Manager. Keith retired from Kinder Morgan (formerly Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Co., then KN Energy) in 1997. Keith’s family was his first and foremost priority throughout his life. During his lifetime, Keith shared his love of sports with his children and the community by coaching many different Little League Baseball and football teams. After his retirement, he worked as a crossing guard for Gering Public Schools. Keith was admired by local kids as the “neighborhood grandpa.” He also proctored exams for Sylvan Learning Center and worked at Herbergers, making new friends at every point along the way.
Keith and Ginger left their lifelong residence in Western Nebraska and relocated to Castle Rock, CO in 2015 to be closer to their family. Keith was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker fan for his entire life, and was also a strong fan of the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies and the Colorado Avalanche. A man of high integrity and great honesty, Keith was always admired as a “walking encyclopedia” of knowledge about matters great and small. He will also be remembered for his inspirational strength, persistence, and bravery in the face of adversity.
Keith is survived by the love of his life and spouse of 60+ years, Ginger, as well as his children, Terry (Cheri) of Castle Rock, CO, Traci (Roger) Jackson of Aurora, CO, and Trevor (Mark Jusino) of San Francisco, CA; his grandchildren Jacob Stein of Cedar Rapids, IA, Jeremy (Jenny) Jackson of Odenton, MD, Dichele (Jake) Hernandez of Westminster, CO, Danica Jackson of Aurora, CO, and Jordan Towne of Castle Rock, CO; his great-grandchildren Sara Stein- Hunley, Jordan Ann Stein, Selia Stein, Delilah Hernandez, and Juniper Hernandez (on the way, due January 2022); and his great-great- grandchild little John Hunley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by, and is currently reuniting with, his son Jeff, his brother Marvin, parents Kenneth and Alberta, as well as his dear friends J.B. Simon, Jim Wallace, Floyd Dermer, Kourtney Beatty and others. His huge smile, his rapier wit, his kindness and his great spirit shall remain here with all of his family and friends. And finally…until we meet again…he would say: GO BIG RED!!
A memorial service for Kenneth will be held Friday, October 15, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Shine Church, 809 Park St, Castle Rock, CO 80109. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OlingerAndrews.com for the Towne family.