It goes without saying that to do the same job for 50 years, you have to either love it or really need the money. Count Lawrence resident John Towner in the first category.

The 76-year-old retired music teacher has been an usher at Kansas University’s home football games long enough to have watched most of the players whose names are on the north side of Memorial Stadium in their prime.

On Nov. 13, Towner worked the last game of his 50th football season as an usher and then worked during KU’s men’s basketball game on Nov. 14. He has been an usher at basketball games for 16 years.

Q: What’s the best part about being an usher at KU games?

A: Meeting people and watching the games. Being a teacher all those years, I enjoy helping people.

Q: Are you allowed to cheer for KU?

A: We’re not supposed to, but I do. I’m getting too old not to. We’re also not supposed to be watching the games, but who doesn’t?

Q: What’s your choice for the best KU football team?

A: The 1968 team was pretty exciting. The years David Jaynes (quarterback, 1971-1973) was on the team — we had a good one. We won each game then in the last two or three minutes. Another good team was when John Hadl (quarterback, 1959-1961) played in the early ’60s. And when Glen Mason was coach (1988-1996), we had some good teams.

John Towner, left, is a recognizable figure at Kansas University Memorial Stadium, where he has been an usher at Jayhawk football games for 50 years. Towner greeted friends and fans during KU's last home game, against the University of Texas on Nov. 13.

Q: Have you noticed a difference in the football program in recent years?

A: Yes. There has been more excitement during the past few years. I was here when we had very small crowds and there wasn’t much excitement.

I think the football team is getting better. The defense is a lot better than it has been the last two or three years.

Q: What else do you do for fun?

A: I collect old cars. I’ve got a ’55 Ford Thunderbird, a ’57 Nash Metropolitan, and a ’54 Hudson Hornet convertible. I’ve been doing that since 1988 when I retired. I also play trombone in a big band that performs at Carondelet Manor nursing home in Kansas City. I also play golf. I just played this morning with some fellows my age.

Q: Are you involved in any other musical exploits?

A: Yes. I direct the New Horizons senior band at the Douglas County Senior Center. We still have places open in it, for anyone who’s interested. We play in nursing homes like Pioneer Ridge (Retirement Community) and Drury Place (at Alvamar).

I also sing in the church choir for First United Methodist Church. I’ve been singing in church choirs now for 60 years. I also play trombone in the KU Alumni Band.

John Towner, at right in back row, is the director of the New Horizons band. The band performed its last concert of the 2003-2004 season on April 30 at Vermont Towers. It performs at nursing and retirement homes in Lawrence.

Q: What’s the biggest difference between directing children and senior citizens in a band?

A: We don’t get as frustrated with our playing as kids do.

Q: What’s the underlying connection between all the activities you’re involved in?

A: All the things I’m involved in — ushering, golf, bands, choir — are about people. I just like meeting and helping people.