Louis Arthur Towson

Louis Arthur Towson, age 77, of Marianna, FL, passed away December 14, 2024 at Chipola Health and Rehabilitation Center.  

Louis was born October 26, 1947 in Orlando, FL, to the late Erma Lee Towson. 

At the age of five, Louis went to live at Florida Farm Colony, later named Sunland of Gainesville, and so began the start of his one true love – the Florida Gators! Louis grew up first in Gainesville and then moved to Marianna’s Sunland campus.  During his time there he received an education and continued to learn self-independence.  Being a lover of sports, and a true competitor, it surprised no one when Louis joined the Special Olympics and became a triple threat in volleyball, softball and basketball.  He continued to play all three sports for many years even after leaving Sunland in 1974.  Louis accomplished many things in his life and some of his most proud moments were when he was named player of the year for both softball and basketball in 2010.

Another big moment to be celebrated was the purchase of his home in 1994.  Louis worked hard to achieve and maintain this goal of living on his own.  He worked at Tony’s Restaurant for many years as a dishwasher before going to work at the Child Protective Services office as a custodial worker in 1984.  With the help of JCARC and his Supported Employment team he remained there until his retirement in March of 2010.  He received another special honor at his retirement and that was when they presented a plaque in his honor for his years of dedication which hung beside their elevator until renovations this past year.

Louis’s relationship with both Habilitative Services and the Agency for Person’s with Disabilities (APD) was a huge part of his life and many of those staff became his family.  APD, particularly Bonnie Williams, was instrumental in helping Louis get the services he needed to live independently in the community.  With her help, he joined the Habilitative Services team in 1992 and continued to be a part of the Hab family until his passing.  During his time with Hab Services, Louis was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to be a member of the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council from 2013 to 2019.  With this appointment, Louis would attend statewide meetings and help advocate and influence legislation for the betterment of those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Louis loved life and was almost always smiling and laughing.  He touched many lives and was well loved in this wonderful world.  RIP – GO GATORS!

Louis was preceded in death by his mother, Erma Lee Towson; sister, Carolyn Davis; as well as his twin sister, Lois Towson.

Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M., Monday, December 23, 2024 at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Chris Franklin officiating. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery with Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing. 

The family will receive friends from 1 P.M., until the time of service for a time of visitation at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. 

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