Rep. Merrill Townley, a Republican, represents Gasconade, Maries, and Osage counties (District 112) in the Missouri House of Representatives.

In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Townley is a veterinarian and farmer. He served in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corp and spent 24 years in the National Guard and Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.

Rep. Townley is a member of the following: Dix Road Church of Christ; Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite; Chamois Lions Club; American and Missouri Veterinary Medical associations; American Association of Bovine Practitioners; Missouri and American Farm Bureau; MFA; and the National and Missouri Cattlemen’s Associations.

Educated at Shawnee Creek School and a graduate of Chamois High School, Rep. Townley received a bachelor of science in agriculture and his D.V.M from the University of Missouri.

Born on September 12, 1934, in Chamois, Rep. Townley currently resides there with his wife Norma Jean. They have three children: Gregory, Bruce and Brenda.