JAMES GUY TOWLE - PANTON - Colonel (Retired) James Guy Towle passed away in his home at age 79, surrounded by friends and family on Oct. 12, 2011. James (Willy, Red) was born in the Towle Neighborhood in South Franklin, on April 16, 1932, to Hugh M. and Martha Hanna Towle. Growing up on the family dairy farm, he attended the East Highgate elementary school, and graduated from Franklin High School in 1949. In 1957, he graduated from the University of Vermont in Burlington and married Carole Ann Stewart of Meriden, Conn. In 1961, he volunteered for active duty in the Army during the Berlin Crisis, and served two years in Germany during the Korean War. He also served two tours in Vietnam and several posts throughout the United States. He retired a Colonel in 1979, and returned to Vermont in 1981. After Carole died in 1982, he married Lyndrid Clark of Windsor, in 1983. Since then, they have enjoyed a life together at the "Panton Ranch" in Panton. Jim was an avid outdoorsman, a skilled hunter, fisherman and gardener. He was a talented athlete and coached Babe Ruth and soccer. His greatest joy was spending time with his family; he was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather and greatgrandfather. Jim was a Mason, and a member of the Dorchester Lodge in Vergennes. He is survived by his wife, Lyndrid; his sisters, Ann Evans of Montpelier, and Mary Gates of Franklin, and their spouses and children. He is also survived by his children, Susan Snowden, Stacey Towle-Stone, Amy Mailloux, Lori Case, and James S. Towle; by Lindy's daughters, Kelly Miller and Katie McFadden; their spouses; and by 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carole; and by Lindy's son, Kevin McFadden. He was a courageous and decorated soldier, and received many awards and citations. Among those of which he was most proud were: Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Armour Badge (Vietnam), Silver Star, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star with Valour (2), Air Medal with Valour, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Vietnam Campaign Medal (7 stars), Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, service ribbons and meritorious awards. A military memorial service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, at the Panton Community Baptist Church, Adams Ferry Road, Panton, Vt., at 2 p.m. to honor and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Addison Home Health.