Robert Towles

Robert Joseph "Bob" Towles, age 90, of Boulder City, NV, passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2016. He was born on November 6, 1925 in Phoenix, Arizona to Julia C. and John R. Towles. He proudly served his country in the United States Army in Germany during World War II, returning home with a Purple Heart after being wounded in battle. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1953, and upon graduation went back to work for the Bureau of Reclamation, not leaving the Bureau until his retirement 49 years later. Bob had many assignments during his work for the Bureau. He lived in Lewiston and Los Banos, California, Edna and Amarillo, Texas, Denver, Colorado, and lastly moving to Boulder City in 1991 to be the Regional Director of the Lower Colorado region. Bob had two loves in his life: Dorothy Perry, his high school sweetheart, to whom he was married for 29 years before she passed away in 1979 and Gladys Carter Gnepper whom he married in 1982. Gladys was his constant companion from the moment they met, and she loved and cherished him throughout their 33 years together. Bob started playing golf in 1990 at the age of 65. He served on the Boulder City Golf Course Greens Committee and played regularly with his friends until physically unable to do so. His passion for the sport escalated after he had a hole-in-one and was able to say he could shoot his age.

Bob's sense of humor was well-known, as was his love of talking to strangers and hearing their stories. This was especially evident when they traveled. Bob and Gladys shared a passion for seeing the world and took many trips, including Russia, Panama Canal, China, Egypt, New Zealand, Antarctica and Italy. However, their favorite destinations were Alaska and Hawaii (making multiple trips to each) where they made many memories and were favorite passengers of the Princess Cruise Line.

He is survived by Gladys and children Jane (Fleischer), Judy (Jeff) Musgrove, Larry Gnepper (Debbie), Terry Gnepper (Karen), Debby (Pat) Murphy, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many friends.

The family is honored that Bob will be interred at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada on March 21, 2016 at 10:00 am. A celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com