Mr. Billy E. Townsend, 89, of Richmond, passed away on Friday, December 21 at Arbor Trace.
He was born on May 21, 1929 in Randolph County, Indiana to Harold and Marguerite Lammott Townsend. He was a 1947 graduate of Lynn High School. He earned his BS in Education from Purdue University in 1951 and his MS in Education from Indiana University. He earned his Administrator’s Certificate from Ball State University. On May 25, 1958, he married the former Ruth Kinder. They were blessed with four children and 60 years of marriage before her death on July 1, 2018.
Mr. Townsend enjoyed a 50-year career in education. He taught Math and Science for 30 years at Alquina, Economy, Fountain City and Lynn schools. He was an administrator for 10 years, serving as Principal at Union Elementary School and Northeastern High School. He also coached a variety of sports for 20 years. He spent 16 summers at Camp Charlevoix in Michigan, where he served as Director of Activities. He taught Math for five years at IU East and Math and Auto Cad for 11 years at IVY Tech.
He served the Lord through First Church of Christ in Lynn and First Friends Meeting in Richmond. He was a big Philadelphia 76ers fan.
Mr. Townsend will be missed by his children, David Townsend and wife, Debbie; Linda Adams and husband, Gus; Cathy Witte and husband, Mike; John Townsend and wife, Brooke; 11 grandchildren, Kyle, DJ, Samantha, Lindsay, Joe, Amy, Truman, Blair, Bridget, Billie and Bailee; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Frances Kinder; nephews Bob Kinder, Scott Kinder and Dean Townsend.
Mr. Townsend was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Donald Townsend; niece, Beth Neuhart and nephew, Mike Townsend.
Mr. Townsend’s family extends a special “thank you” to those Arbor Trace staff members (you know who you are) who provided him with such loving care.
Steve Smith will conduct a funeral ceremony at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 29, at the Smith-McQuiston & Webster Funeral Home, 321 US 27, Fountain City. Interment will follow in Willow Grove Cemetery.
Family and friends may gather for visitation from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 29, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are encouraged for the Hand In Hand Adult Day Care C.A.R.E Program, 2727 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374.