Vernon Lefty Towery

Vernon Lefty Towery, age 88, of Marion, KY passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, leaving behind a life rich with love, tradition, and meaningful connections. He will be remembered for his steady presence, quiet strength, and the genuine kindness he shared with family and friends.

Lefty proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was part of the Missiles and Artillery Unit. His military service reflected a strong sense of duty, discipline, and commitment—qualities that remained throughout his life. He took great pride in having served and spoke of it with humility and respect.

Throughout his life, Lefty was guided by the values of integrity, hard work, and loyalty. In recognition of his character and contributions, he was named a Kentucky Colonel, an honor he held with quiet pride and appreciation. Lefty loved being a Kentuckian and living in the rich beauty of the Kentucky countryside.

Lefty devoted more than 40 years of his working life to his trade as a boilermaker, a career that took him across the United States building water towers that stand as lasting symbols of his craftsmanship. Having been employed by Universal Tank and Tower, Pittsburg Tank and Tower and Caldwell Tanks, Inc., he was highly respected throughout the industry and widely recognized for his expertise, knowledge, and skill, earning the admiration of coworkers and peers.

A lifelong passion of Lefty’s was country music, with the songs of Merle Haggard serving as the soundtrack of his life. Over the decades, he enthusiastically attended concerts whenever he could, savoring the energy of live performances and the memories made along the way. Having taught himself to play the guitar, the love of music aged along with him, growing deeper and more meaningful with time. As Merle Haggard once said, “The older I get, the better I was,” a sentiment Lefty embraced with humor, reflection, and gratitude for a life well lived.

Beyond music, Lefty held a deep love for horses and horse racing and was an avid trail rider on his beloved horses Banjo and Chief. He also took immense pride in the care and upkeep of the Towery Cemetery, a responsibility he approached with dedication and regard—a reflection of his devotion to family, heritage, and honoring those who were laid to rest before him.

Lefty was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Clara Jane Gass Towery; his son, James Dean Towery; and his parents, Elvin and Viola Towery. He is survived by his daughter, Beth Towery Davidson (Grant) of Nashville; his granddaughter, Tamara Anne Towery; his grandson, Daniel Scott (Tristan) Davidson; his great‑grandchildren, Haley Sisco, Jacob Pruitt, Olivia Davidson, and Annalise Davidson; and his siblings, Claudena Towery Travis, Samuel Wincell Towery, Ellis Edwin Towery, and Hinkle Hervie Towery, along with extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, February 6 at Myers Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 10:00AM, service at 1:00PM and burial to follow in the Towery Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the “Towery Cemetery Fund” c/o First United Bank Marion KY to help us continue Lefty’s legacy in caring for the family cemetery.

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