Donald Ray Townsend

Donald Ray Townsend of Twin Lake, Michigan, born October 29, 1922, went to be with his loving wife, Maxine, at the ripe young age 96 on January 18th at his home surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones. Donald was a Military Police Officer and a receive supply clerk as a part of the 560th Army Airforce Base Unit during his station of 25 months overseas during WWII. He received the EAME Theatre Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Ribbon, and Victory Medal.

After coming home from the war, he began his career as a Shift Supervisor and Manager at American Coil Springs in Muskegon, Michigan, where he retired in 1982. He married the love of his life, Maxine, in 1948 where he started his family and was the Twin Lake Fire Chief in the early 1950’s. Donald believed in living his life to the fullest one day at time, and he did just that. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Maxine Townsend, his Parents, Florence and Grover Townsend of Twin Lake, his Brother, Grover Townsend of Nevada, his Sister, Doris Shurkamp of Twin Lake, his son in law, Gill Deschaaf of Benton Harbor, his daughter in law, Laura Townsend of Grand Blanc.

Donald is survived by his four children, Ruth Deschaaf of Benton Harbor, Linda and Douglas Stebelton of Grant, Donald Townsend Jr of Twin lake, and Frank and Anna Townsend of Georgia. 9 grandchildren, 14 great grand children, his brother, Jerry and Ginger Townsend of Florida, Roland and Angie Townsend of Florida, Jackie and Don Matteson of Arkansas, many many friends, neighbors, and relatives. Donald’s family would also like to recognize Duane Townsend, Anne Townsend Bowen, and Marty and Kevin Halub for their special parts in Donald’s life and for helping with his comfort, love, and friendship over the years and in the final days of his life.

Don was truly a family man and will be missed by many, but his legacy lives on with each and every one of us. His smile and laugh will never be forgotten or the love of life, hunting, fishing, and our Country. We will miss the debates on politics and unions, we will miss the Patriarch of our Family, but he will live on in our memories, in our children, and in our hearts.

Donald will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors Wednesday, January 23rd, at Ever Rest Funeral Home, 1783 E Keating Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442. Family Visitation will be held that day from 9:30am to 10:30am with open visitation directly after from 10:30am to 12:00pm. Graveside Service will follow, and luncheon directly after at the facility.