Kenneth A. Tower Jr.

Kenneth A. Tower Jr., 69, of 3 Watkins Road, Gardner, Mass., died Sunday morning, July 29, 2012, in Bedford, Mass.

He was born in Brockton, Mass., on Nov. 29, 1942, son of the late Kenneth A. and Elizabeth (Cedar) Tower, and lived in Gardner and Key West, Fla.

Ken had worked as an industrial sales engineer for Diversified Pump, D.L. Thurrott Co, Dines and Nuenkamp and American Lewa and covered territories in the USA, Canada and Germany. He was a graduate of Worcester Junior College and University of Massachusetts. Ken proudly served his country as a member of the Navy, aboard the USS Fletcher 445 during the Vietnam War. He later served in the Army Reserve for 20 years as an infantry drill instructor.

Very involved in civic organizations, Ken was a member of Dorchester Lodge F & AM #1 for 25 years, a member and past master of Hope Lodge of Masons in Gardner, Jerusalem Commandery #19 of Fitchburg, King Philip York Rite College #160, Leominster Royal Arch Chapter, Anchor Lodge #182, Aleppo and Key West Shrine and High Twelvian #758 Florida Keys.

He was also a member of Loyal Order of Moose in Big Pine, Fla., American Legion #28, Fla., Gardner Lodge#1426 Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #747 and was an RV Military Retiree Traveler.

He leaves his wife, Venus-val Hammack-Tower; children, Venus-Victoria Silva, Cassandra Yaffa, Logan Tower, Gabrielle Gibbs, Tove Tower and Tara Pike; many grandchildren; and one brother, Larry Tower.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, in Masonic Hall, 42 Central St., Gardner. Members of Hope Lodge of Masons will conduct the service. Fellowship will follow the service.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St. Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com