John Joseph Towels

John Joseph “Shake” Towels was born on April 1, 1932, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and departed this life on Thursday, January 18, 2018, in Prague, Oklahoma, at the age of 85. John, the son of Phillip and Carrie (Brown) Towles, was a resident of Prague. He raised 4 children with his wife and the love of his life, Zora McKenzie Banks. John’s nickname was “Shake” for his affinity to Shakespeare and his love of storytelling. He retired from the United States Air Force and was very proud of his service to the United States. He graduated from Drew Medical School in Los Angeles, California and served as Chief Physician Assistant at the VA hospital in Los Angeles, California. His typical evening meal consisted of his talking about his surgical day at the military base and/or his efforts as a taxidermist, especially while he and his family were living in Alaska where he was stationed, before relocation in Louisiana and ultimately in California. John will be remembered for his tremendous and unconventional sense of humor, his protective devotion to his family and his giving but very strong nature. Drawing from his military career, John instilled discipline and a deep sense of honor in his family. He was active with the Boy Scouts and shaping the lives of young people and very proud that two of his sons were Scouts. John was quite fond of Hershey bars and Coca Cola. John will be greatly missed. John was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers and one sister. Survivors include his sons, Dr. Norman Towels of Riverside, CA, John J. Towels of Prague and Richard P. Towels of Compton, CA; daughter, Jacqueline Denise Cottman of Schaumburg, IL; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sister, Emma Williams of IL; brother, Sammy Towels of New York and many other family and friends. The Towels family will receive friends on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11:00 AM, at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Pastor Tanner Newman officiating. Interment will follow on Monday, January 29, 2018, at 11:00 AM, at Ft. Gibson Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.