Donnie Towns

Donnie Towns was born on November 17, 1962, to Donald V. Towns Sr. and Carolyn (Davis) Murray. He passed away on June 6, 2025.

Donnie graduated from Garden City High School in 1981. Soon after, he met Kimberly Bulgarelli. Though she was unimpressed at first, Donnie's charm and good nature won her over, and the two eloped a few years later at Lavern's Chapel in Miami, Oklahoma, on July 26, 1985.

They moved to Gaslight Village trailer park in Lawrence, Kansas where Donnie found a job at Douglas County Public Works. He remained with the county for 33 years, retiring as a Road Superintendent in 2016. Shortly following his retirement, he assumed the role of Trustee for Palmyra Township where he used his expertise to help the community and where he made several life-long friends.

Donnie and Kim welcomed their only son, Zachary, to the world in 1987 and moved to Baldwin City in 1990. They were best friends and enjoyed hanging out by the pool and at the lake, taking road trips, and summer weather. Donnie always dreamed of living on a beach where it was sunny year-round.

Donnie had a great big personality. He never knew a stranger and could light up any room with his humor and outgoing nature. He loved talking to people, telling stories, and spending time with anyone up for a good laugh. Donnie had the kind of charisma and presence that could have taken him anywhere in life-but he chose a path rooted in love and loyalty. He chose to be a devoted dad, husband, and grandfather. He chose to work hard and take pride in everything he did. He chose to be a good friend, a good person, and to offer a helping hand whenever he could.

Between the 1980s and early 2000s, Donnie was something of a local celebrity as the creator and a member of The Football Heads, a Chiefs superfan group known for attending every home game. He appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial, was featured on a football card, and even got to know the legendary Derrick Thomas. A loyal Chiefs fan for life, Donnie was pumped to see them finally bring home a few Super Bowl wins.

Sadly, tragedy struck on May 23, 2020, when Kimberly passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Her loss was enough to forever dim the spark that made Donnie shine. Though his bright smile and loving personality surfaced from time to time after that, they never fully returned.

Along with Kim, Donnie was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Murray, all his grandparents, father in-law Vincent Bulgarelli, and many close friends.

He is survived by-and will be deeply missed by-his son Zachary, daughter-in-law Hannah, and beloved granddaughter River. He is also survived by his father, Don; stepmother, Kay; sister, Shelly Towns; nephew, Tyler Munsch; brother, Travis Towns and partner April; Stepfather, Richard Murray; two stepsisters, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Donnie leaves behind many dear friends as well.

Donnie never asked anyone for anything, and in that spirit, in lieu of flowers, he would have simply suggested this: spend time with the people you love. Call them, visit them, tell them you care, and offer them a helping hand.

The lives of both Donnie and Kim will be honored with a visitation on Friday, June 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Baldwin City. A memorial service will be held at the same location on Saturday, June 28th, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service. The family invites all attendees to join them for a luncheon at Baldwin City Brewing Company afterward to share memories and celebrate their lives.