Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Melvin E. “Snook” Towner, Jr., 84, of Emporium, PA, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday afternoon, January 5, 2026.
He was born on July 9, 1941, in St. Marys, PA, a son of the late Melvin and Mary Tauses Towner. On February 21, 1970, he married Dianna Sprung, who preceded him in death.
Snook proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964. He was a devoted sports fan, especially loyal to the Buffalo Bills, and greatly enjoyed NASCAR racing. Snook was a member of the VFW, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the American Legion. Above all, he loved socializing and spending time with his buddies, friendships that meant a great deal to him throughout his life.
He is survived by his daughter, Danielle Robinson (Ed) of Emporium; one granddaughter, Jenna Rockey; two great-grandchildren, Bransin Rockey and Mariella Smith; his sister, Barbara Bauer of Emporium; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, Snook was preceded in death by Melvin and Mary Tauses Towner and Dianna Towner.
A funeral gathering will be held at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. Fourth Street, Emporium, PA, on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM, followed by Military Honors presented by the Cameron County Memorial Detail.
Burial will take place in St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, PA.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin "Snook" E. Towner, Jr, please visit our floral store.