In the partisan world of politics, civility and goodwill can be hard to find. Independence Township lost a citizen and public servant who exemplified both qualities when Floyd ‘Whitey? Tower passed away at age 73 on Aug. 27, 2005.
Tower had a distinguished presence in the community and was heavily involved in township affairs. A few of his contributions include spending time on the Clarkston Village Council and Planning Commission, as well as serving as Supervisor of Independence Township. He remained an active member of the American Legion and a grounding member of the Clarkston United Methodist Church.
Throughout his service, Tower developed a reputation of doing what was in the best interest of the community.
Fred Ritter served with Tower on the Independence Township Board from 1976-80 and feels Tower displayed a camaraderie no longer prevalent in politics.
‘He may have disagreed with you, but he still would look you in the eye and be a friend to you. He’d do anything in the world for you,? said Ritter.
Upon seeing a program or ordinance he voted against do good for the township, Tower admitted the action was having a positive effect rather than stewing over the decision that did not go his way, said Ritter.
Tower’s presence was felt in the American Legion, particularly Post #63. After serving with Tower in the organization since 1959, John Lynch said Tower often used his electrician skills to help the legion. He also credited Tower as being instrumental in helping the organization expand.
‘He was a dedicated veteran who was always willing to help any veteran that came to the post in need,? said Lynch.
Lynch also recalled how Tower became very active in the legion working diligently as a finance officer for nearly 30 years after serving as post commander, which was rare for members to do at the time.
‘He was always looking ahead for the legion and buying the things as finance officer he knew we’d need,? said Lynch
Besides providing his services to the community, Tower was also a beloved family man and friend.
‘He was always a very hard worker; very committed to the township as a supervisor and a very committed family man,? said daughter Beth Lawrence.
R.C. Jones, Tower’s nephew, recalled spending many days hunting and smelt dipping across Northern Michigan. He also said Tower took pride in buying Clintonwood Park during his time as township supervisor.
‘Whitey was a guy if someone needed help, he’d stop and help them out whether it was carrying out garbage or fixing a car, he never turned anyone down,? said Jones.
‘He was always on the upbeat side. I can’t recall him ever being down. Whitey was always on the upside of the project; almost always smiling and always ready to help,? said Lynch.
Tower was the loving husband for 54 years of Dawn; beloved father of Lynn (George) Bennett of Mequon, Wisconsin, Beth (Ben) Lawrence of Clarkston, Judy (Judd) Tower-Dotson of West Bloomfield, Gail (Randy) Erb of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Mike (Sue) Tower of Goodrich and Amy (Eric Laboissonniere) Tower of Ortonville; dear grandfather of Jill (Andy) Wessel, Kristen (David) Lundeen, Benjamin and Allison Lawrence, Zac and Jesse Dotson, Eli Erb, Lucas Tower, and Joseph and Amanada Laboissonniere; and great-grandfather of Milo and Max Wessel.
Tower was preceded in death by his parents Kathryn and Frank Tower; his sisters Ellen Tanquay, Dortha Vliet and Betty Storum; and his brothers Ralph and Frank Tower.
A 1949 graduate of Clarkston High School, Tower served in the United States Marine Corp. He was Past Commander and current Treasurer of the American Legion Campbell Richmond Post #63 and a Past District Commander of the American Legion. He was a member of the Clarkston Masonic Lodge, member of the IBEW Local #58 and retired from the City of Novi Building Department in 1999.
A funeral service was held on August 31, 2005 from the Sherman Wilk Funeral Home in Ortonville. Burial ceremonies took place in Lakeview Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be given to the Children’s Miracle Network.