Houston recently lost a hugely important and much loved member of its Art Car community on July 14th when Jeff Towns tragically died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Having battled depression for many years, Jeff’s suicide at the age of 42 still came as a shock to many of those who knew him, particularly given his extremely selfless devotion to his friends and family. He is survived by his wife Jill. At the time of writing there are no details of memorial or remembrance services, but details are sure to emerge. The Houston Art Car community is still very much in shock from the news, but the discussion board at the Houston Art Car Klub site is currently adorned with messages of condolence for a hugely popular man.

Memories posted by friends, colleagues and others who knew Jeff Towns show a real sense of the value he held for many people, including one member who remarked on how in the weeks leading up to this year’s Houston Art Car Parade Jeff left his own car to come over and help him out. This was something he did for a lot of people, and when someone gives of themselves so generously and freely it is hard to believe that they could be so troubled inside as to take the tragic step that Jeff Towns has taken.

The Houston Art Car Klub, the wider Art Car community and the city of Houston itself has become poorer for the loss of Jeff Towns. May he rest in peace.