HAMPTON -- Norman W Towle, 96, of 105 Mace Road, died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2000, in Exeter Hospital after being stricken ill at his home.

He was born Nov. 3, 1904, in Hampton, the son of the late Ernest and Louise (Johansen) Towle.

He operated. a small engine repair and blade-sharpening workshop for 35 years, and was known as the "lawnmower man" around the tri-state area. He was a shipwright at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for many years, and was also a carpenter.

He was a member of the Carpenter's Union; the Hampton Lions Club for more than 50 years, where he was honored for his volunteer service to the community.

The widower of Hattie (Goss) Towle, who died in 1995, he is survived by two daughters, Patricia Walker of Phoenix, Ariz., and Dorothy Jedynak of Peoria, Ariz.; two grandchildren; and one grand nephew and one grand niece.

He was predeceased by one brother, Harold Towle; and one sister, Ernestine Wright.

Memorial services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton.

Memorial donations may be made to the Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center, 1 Verney Drive, Greenfield, NH 03047 or to the Hampton Lions Club, P.O. Box 1088, Hampton, NH 03843.