Gilmanton - Robert L. "Bob" Towle, 77, died May 12, 2011, at home after a long illness.He was born in Loudon on May 1, 1934, to Herbert and Louise (Bean) Towle.His career began at age 14, when he began driving logging trucks with his father. At age 17, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed at Paris Island, Quantico and Camp Lejeune. Three years later, with the rank of sergeant, he was honorably discharged.He immediately went to work for Jones Express, which was later bought out by Holmes Transportation. He continued to work for Holmes for the next 34 years until the company closed their doors.He opened and operated Robert Towle Pallet Co. for 18 years. He later started another business, Robert Towle Enterprises, dealing mainly in rental property and rental storage trailers.He especially enjoyed his home on Manning Lake, turning it from a summer cottage to a year-round home. He and his wife moved from Allenstown to the lake in Gilmanton in 1988. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 37 for 35 years and was also a member of the Scottish Rite Masonry, Jewell Lodge No 94 for 29 years. .IN HIS LIFE: His family includes his wife of 57 years, Germaine (Richard) Towle; a son, Wayne Towle and wife Debbie of Natick, Mass.; two daughters, Deborah (Towle) Bourcier and husband Raymond of Derry and Lisa Towle of Allenstown; five grandchildren, Whitney Towle, Christopher Bourcier, Amelia Towle, Elyse Bourcier and David Bourcier; a brother, Herbert Towle of Barnstead; and two sisters, Mary (Towle) Nadeau of Pembroke and Constance (Towle) Nepveu of Hooksett; and several nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by his parents, a sister, Carolyn (Towle) Girard and a brother, Rodney Towle. .SERVICES: There will be no calling hours or church services. The family will hold a celebration of Bob's life at a later date.Memorial donations may be made to Community Health & Hospice, Inc., 780 North Main St., Laconia, NH 03246. Still Oaks Funeral & Memorial Home is assisting with arrangements. For more information, please go to stilloaks.com.