Normand Thomas Townley

Dr. Normand Thomas Townley passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by the warmth of his loving family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and a cherished friend to many.

Norm was born on May 26, 1933, in Sunbury, Ohio, to Cecil and Violet Townley. Growing up in Sunbury, Norm demonstrated early on the qualities that would define his remarkable life. A proud graduate of Big Walnut High School in 1951, he excelled both academically and athletically, earning All-State honors as an offensive lineman during his senior year—a title he often enjoyed reminding people of, even long after his jersey had been retired. Following high school, Norm attended Capital University, where he met the love of his life, Mickey. Their partnership was one of devotion and shared ambition. Shortly after graduation, they married, and Norm embarked on his medical school journey at The Ohio State University, where he graduated at the top of both his undergraduate and medical school classes, setting a standard of excellence his children jokingly tried to ignore.

Norm pursued his residency in anesthesiology at Indiana University in Indianapolis, completing it in 1962. His career began with groundbreaking contributions during two years of research at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, where he investigated the effects of anesthesia on renal and cardiac function. A pioneer in his field, he was part of the team that developed the first blood-warming machine.

In 1964, Norm transitioned into private practice in Kokomo, Indiana, serving at St. Joseph and Howard Community Hospitals. Two years later, he and his family returned to Indianapolis, where he co-founded Indianapolis Anesthesia Inc. This pioneering group not only served Winona Memorial and the Women’s Hospital but also played a significant role in training the city’s first EMTs. A leader in his profession, Norm served as president of the medical staff and chairman of the anesthesia department at Winona Memorial Hospital.

During the 1970s, Norm served as president of the Indiana Society of Anesthesiology, where he helped in the passage of the Indiana Medical Liability Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that became a national model. His influence extended further as a member of the board of the Indianapolis Medical Society. He liked to joke that while others were debating policy, he got things done.

In 1985, Norm joined the Community Hospitals of Indianapolis, where he continued to serve patients and mentor colleagues until his retirement from the Indiana Surgery Center North in May 2008. Known for his calm demeanor in the most challenging situations and his quick wit, Norm’s colleagues fondly recall that he could ease tension in an operating room with a single quip, earning him nicknames like “Uncle Normie,” “Stormin’ Norman,” and “Sandman.”

Beyond his professional life, Norm possessed a profound love of music. A gifted pianist and tenor saxophone player, he spent the last two decades as an active member of the New

Horizons Senior Citizens Band, delighting audiences with his saxophone skills until December 2023.

Norm was also a passionate traveler, finding joy and adventure in family trips to Kentucky Dam Village, Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Sanibel Island, Florida. The family fondly remembers his knack for turning a relaxing boat outing into a comedy of errors, complete with engine troubles and a few colorful words.

Norm’s love of sports was legendary, but his heart belonged to the Ohio State Buckeyes. A dedicated fan, he cheered on his alma mater with fervor, donning scarlet and gray on game days and reveling in the team’s triumphs. However, the Townley household was a house divided—Mickey, a proud Michigander, always rooted for the rival Wolverines. Their friendly banter during the annual Ohio State-Michigan game became a cherished family tradition, with Norm declaring victory a little too loudly whenever the Buckeyes came out on top.

Golf was another passion, and Norm was a proud member of Hillcrest Country Club from 1969 until his passing. He cherished his golf buddies, the “ROBs,” and the time they spent together on and off the course.

Above all, Norm’s greatest joy was his family. He found endless delight in the company of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought him immense pride, laughter, and perhaps an occasional need for aspirin.

Norm was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Marshall Townley; his daughters, Amy Townley and Lisa Thompson; and his beloved wife of 64 years, Mickey Townley.

He is survived by his brother, Marshton (Betty); his children, Steve Townley (Marianne) of Indianapolis, Rhea Trowbridge of South Bend, and Ann John (Layton) of Pendleton. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Andrea (Gabriele), Kati (Mathias), Megan (Steve), Ryne, Collin, Kylie (Tyler), Halie (Bob), Courtney, Maggie, Riley, Evan, and Dylan; and his great-grandchildren: Luca, Camilla, Maxime, Sebastian, Brady, and Griffin.

Norm’s life was one of service, kindness, humor, and Buckeye pride. His legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Visitation will be held at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 5233 E. 79th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250, on February 25, 2025, from 4–6 p.m., followed by a funeral service directly afterward.

In lieu of flowers, Norm expressed his wishes prior to passing. He would like to reward a graduating senior from his alma mater, Capital University. He wanted to recognize the pre-med student with the highest GPA upon graduation. His comment was, “To accomplish that is really something and deserves recognition.” Norm, himself, accomplished this task too! This senior will be recognized and presented with this gift at the honors convocation to be held at Capital this spring.

Please make checks payable to Capital University with “Norm Townley Memorial” in the memo line. Donations can be sent to Capital University, Advancement Services, 1 College and Main, Columbus, OH 43209. If online giving is preferred, visit https://www.capconnect.org/donate (in the designation drop-down, mark “Other,” and then in the “Other” box that pops up, enter “Norm Townley Memorial”).