Patty Kingston Towler

Life is eternal; and love is immortal;

and death is only a horizon:

and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.

--Rossiter Worthington Raymond,

“A Commendatory Prayer”

Patty Kingston Towler passed away quietly at the Regency House in San Angelo, Texas, on October 5, 2024, at the age of 97. She was the granddaughter of the W.L. Kingston, one of the original ranching families to settle in the Madera Valley in far West Texas in the late 1800s, and of James and Amy Gilliland Walker. Her parents were Lee and Frankie Kingston.

She grew up with a keen appreciation of her family’s role in the valley’s development and with an abiding love of Balmorhea, the small town where she lived with few interludes until 2001.

Born September 1, 1927, Patty finished high school in Balmorhea. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, did graduate work at The University of Texas in Austin, and received her master’s degree in Library Science at North Texas State College in Denton, Texas. Her career included a stint at the State Department in Washington, D.C., when she was in her 20s; she lived in a boarding house for single women, traveled to Europe with her work, and enjoyed spreading her wings. After moving back to Balmorhea, she served as school and community librarian for years. She was a certified Red Cross Swimming Instructor, and she taught many of the local children how to swim at the Balmorhea State Park. She was an active member of the First Methodist Church, the Well-Kept Community Club, and the Eastern Stars.

In her early 30s, Patty married Tom Hardy, who died suddenly after only three years of marriage; and later, to Buck Towler, with whom she spent many happy years. After Buck’s passing in 2000, Patty moved to San Angelo, where she was an active member of the Sierra Vista Methodist Church, the Angelo Women’s Social Club, a bridge club, a book club, and an artists’ group. She was widely known for her generosity, her unflagging sense of humor, her artistic talent, and her zest for living.

Patty is survived by her stepson, Tom (Pat) Hardy, Jr., of Jacksonville, Florida; nieces Patsy McIntire of San Angelo, Louisa (Mario) Acosta of Georgetown, and Clay (Robert) Toothaker of San Angelo; nephews John Patrick of Bastrop and Ray (Betty) Kingston of Queens Creek, Arizona; “friends-like-family” Cherry Elliott Wike of Wall and Bridget and Tony Carr and their sons Beau and Bryce of San Angelo; dear cousins Judy Elkins and Billie Birnie; and a host of friends.

Thanks to San Angelo Home Health Care, Visiting Angels, and Regency House for their special and loving care.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Harper Funeral Home, 2606 Southland Boulevard, San Angelo, followed by a reception and meal at the Sierra Vista Methodist Church, 4522 College Hills Boulevard. Those who plan to attend are encouraged to wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Children’s Miracle Network, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, or a charity of your choice.