Popular Walsall businessman dies

Ken Towe, who owned the Lyndon House in Walsall, died peacefully in Walsall Manor Hospital on November 20 following a short illness surrounded by his family.

His wife Maggie paid tribute to staff at the hospital and said she had lost “one of the most generous person she had ever met”.

Ken, who was Walsall born and bred, ran various businesses in Walsall during his life including a men’s outfitters, travel business and up to his death the Lyndon House Hotel in Upper Rushall Street. He was also involved in property development in the town centre.

Speaking of her loss, Maggie said her late husband was hugely proud of Walsall and loved the popular Lyndon House Hotel – a traditional inn that is very much family run.

She said: “The staff at Walsall Manor Hospital were brilliant with us and let us be with Ken when he peacefully passed away.

“Ken rebuilt a lot of buildings in Walsall – he was very concerned about the loss of historic buildings in the town. He was proud of Walsall.

“He bought the Lyndon, which was the Royal Exchange, 25 years ago, it was derelict when he bought it. The Lyndon was not a job to him it was a hobby. He was very, very proud of the Lyndon.

“Ken was the most generous man I have ever known. The amount of people of have written cards to me to say what Ken had done for them.

“He was such a character. We have now lost one of Walsall’s characters.”

Maggie said, after the lockdown, the Lyndon House Hotel would continue to operate supported by her two sons who are both aged in their 40s.

She continued: “I have an incredible family around me and they will take a bigger role in the Lyndon. Everything I do now is for Ken.”

Derek Bennett, a regular customer of the Lyndon House Hotel prior to the Covid lockdown, said: “Ken was well liked by all his regulars and he will be sadly missed by us all.

“Ken was a good friend and the owner and my favourite place to go for a pint or two of real ale, the Lyndon House Hotel.”