MCLEANSBORO – Alex Towle Jr., 100½, of McLeansboro, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Silver Fox Nursing Home in McLeansboro.

He was born Aug. 6, 1925, near Walpole, the son of Alex M. Towle and Julia A. Towle. He married Elizabeth “Lizzie” Lampley on Nov. 29, 1947. She died in 2011. He later married Betty Gene (Renschler) Drake on June 10, 2011. She died in 2023.

Towle was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church for 74 years and a 74-year member of Polk AF & AM Masonic Lodge. He was also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He owned and operated Tie-On Roofing Co. for 35 years.

He was a member of the Galatia High School Class of 1943 and served in the U.S. Army beginning in 1944. He was stationed in Italy with the 686th Ordnance of the 5th Army Unit during World War II and was the oldest living World War II veteran in Hamilton County.

Towle enjoyed horses and ponies and was known for building wagons for them, which can be found throughout the United States.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews, and close friends, Craig and Connie Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Elizabeth and Betty; and five brothers and five sisters.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Robert Abbott officiating. Burial will be at Brady Cemetery in Akin, with full military rites.

The Harre Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.