Richard Lee Townsend

Anderson - Richard Lee Townsend, 85, Anderson, passed away November 27, 2011 at his residence after an extended illness. He was born September 15, 1926 in Elwood, Indiana, and lived in Madison County most of his life. Richard served his country in the US Army during WWII. He loved farming, flying, and was a School bus driver for South Madison Schools for 27 years. He retired as a salesman from Bob Myers Buick after 33 years of service. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Joseph Kernan in March of 2004. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #209, where he held many offices in the Elks organization; American Legion Post #127, past commander; and VFW Post #266. Left to cherish his memory are his wife whom he married January 11, 1969, Nila K. Franklin Townsend; children, Sheila Fae Jim Doughty of Gaston and Doug Townsend Deborah Castie of Elm Grove, Louisiana; siblings, Jeannie Pike of Anderson, John Jean Townsend of North Carolina, Gladys Parker of Gaston, Keith Dana Townsend of Muncie, Susie Norrick of Gaston, Janice Bob Winkle of Muncie, Sally Ron Nichols of Muncie and Sharon Larry Hatfield of Muncie; grandchildren, Shawn Flo Doughty of Alabama, Angela Dick Johnson of Gaston, Richana Townsend Vailes of Bossier, Louisiana and Richard William Sheree Townsend of Carthage, Texas; great grandchildren, Zayne, Makayla, Jentry, Lauryn, Caleb, Natalie, Zhane' and Kyler; sisters-in-law, Sherry Fields of Middletown and Cindy K.Dean Franklin; brother-in-law, K. Dean Franklin of Chesterfield; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends at the Anderson Elks Lodge. A special thank you to Dr. Ravi Sarin, Dr. Carol Magee, and the Dialysis Center Staff for their excellent care. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester & Pearl Smock Townsend and brother-in-law, Les Franklin. Visitation will be from 4-8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory; 200 W. 53rd Street; Anderson; and one hour prior to service on Thursday. An Elks Lodge #209 Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM. Services will be Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 2:30 PM, at the funeral home, with Pastor Gina Kirkland officiating. Internment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Anderson, immediately following the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks National Foundation through the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #209; or American Kidney Foundation. www.LooseCares.com

Richard Lee Townsend

September 15, 1926 - November 27, 2011