Charles L Towne, 88, a lifelong resident of Kennebunk and longtime educator, passed away peacefully at his home, Sunday July 14, 2024 with his loving wife and family at his side after a period of failing health.

Charlie, as those who love him called him, was born February 6, 1936 in Everett, Mass the second son of Frederick William and Margaret S MacDonald Towne, Sr. Seventeen months after his birth his family moved to Kennebunk, Maine. He attended the Kennebunk schools, graduating in 1954. He attended Gorham State Teachers College graduating in the class of 1958. Shortly after graduation he was drafted into the army and served as a Chaplin’s assistant in Bamberg, Germany. He earned his masters degree from University of Maine Orono in 1968.

He was a lifelong educator and taught 5th and 6th grade levels at Park Street and Sea Road schools in Kennebunk for 37 years. He earned the love and respect of his students each year. He was always the teacher that all incoming students hoped to get. Retiring in 1994 he continued to teach as a substitute teacher for the next 20 years. He was nominated in 1974 as a candidate for Maine Teacher of the Year and was runner up.

He was a member of Kennebunk Advent Christian Church starting at the age of 4 attending Sunday School and was involved there for many years serving on various committees, working with the Youth and singing in the choir. He now is a member of Goodwin’s Mills Advent Christian Church and served there on committees and sang in the choir as well. His hobbies included bird watching, photography and traveling.

In August 2001, Charlie met the love of his life Pat Sturtevant at North Belgrade Lakeside Advent Christian Camp Meeting at the urging of his pastor. By divine intervention at the age of 65, Charlie was hooked and they were married four months later.

He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Frederick Jr and Robert Towne. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia Towne of Kennebunk, stepsons Craig Sturtevant and his wife Cynthia, Alan Sturtevant and his wife Bette and step daughter, Laurie Brann all of Oakland, Maine, four step grandchildren, 5 step great grandchildren, one nephew, four nieces, many cousins and long time family friends Lynn and Herb Baum of Kennebunk, Brenda Thomas and Vickie Bussey of Sidney, Maine, The Creative 8 quilting girls and many other lifelong friends.

Visiting hours will be held 6 to 8 pm Thursday, July 18th, 2024 at Bibber Memorial Chapel 67 Summer Street Kennebunk, ME. A celebration of Charlies life will be held at 1pm Friday, July 19th at the Goodwin’s Mills Advent Christian Church, 503 Goodwins Mills Road, Dayton, ME 04005.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lakeside Advent Christian Campground Association, c/o Cherry Frewin, Treasurer, 894 Brady Way, Jonesborough, TN 37659 or to Goodwin’s Mills Advent Christian Church, 503 Goodwins Mills Road, Dayton, ME 04005.