Gary Lee Towne , 80, of Valley Center, KS died January 19th, 2017.  Gary, son of Raymond F. Towne and Hermagene A. Harris, and life partner to Ardath Bruner, passed away at his home in Valley Center after a long, brave battle with cancer. He is survived by his partner Ardath Bruner of Wichita, and son, Doug Towne of Phoenix, Arizona. He is also survived by his sister, Theda Wiese of Manning, IA, his brother, Don Towne of Chicago, IL, his daughter-in-law Maureen Towne, and grandchildren Autumn and Benjamin Towne, as well as Ardath's children Ralph Trenary (Holly), Alan Trenary, and Frederic (Maria), and grandchildren, Melanie, Caroline, Erik, Charlotte, and Jamie. Gary's passing was preceded by his mother and father, as well as his sister, Patricia Graham and his brother, Richard Towne.  Towne, a forty year resident of Valley Center, worked as a safety engineer at NCR before retiring. He was an AYSO soccer coach and referee and was president of the Valley Center Swim Club in the 70's and 80's. Gary was an active member of the Oz Bicycle Club of Wichita, and could be seen grinning wide as he bicycled around the country with friends and family on supported and self-supported rides, averaging approximately 6,000 miles a year. Last year, he topped 150,000 miles for a lifetime mileage on bicycles.  Gary Towne was a kind and patient man of integrity, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A memorial service will be held this spring in honor of his life well lived. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com