Mr. Towe, a native of Elizabeth City, N.C., was elected a Trustee of The Duke Endowment in 1954 and served until his death in 1978. The son of a Methodist circuit rider, Mr. Towe rode with his father on a horse and buggy and led the singing at church. His religious background shaped his decisions throughout his life. Mr. Towe served as a Captain in the Quartermaster Corps in France during World War I. He joined American Cyanamid in 1926 and retired as Chairman of the Board after more than 30 years of service. His broad interest in people, his association with the United Methodist Church, Duke University and the United Hospital Fund of New York enabled him to guide his fellow trustees to achieve the goals set forth by Mr. Duke.