Paul R. Townsend

Forty-six years ago, the Lord sent a sweet, soft spoken, loving man into our family who helped heal our hearts with love and kindness. To our mother, he’s her life partner and best friend. To our older siblings, he’s Paul. To Lisa and I, he’s our dad.

He loved pitching horseshoes and dancing with Mom, but most of all, he loved the Lord and on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the Lord called Paul R. Townsend home.

He was born in Preston to the late Marshall S. and Dorothy Townsend. He was also predeceased by his brother, George Townsend, his sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Clyde Wright, his brother-in-law, Alfred Franklin, his step-son, Randy Oliver, his step daughter, Brenda Thuering, his step son, James Oliver, and his great-grandson, Easton Jones. Survivors include his loving wife of 46 years, Doris Townsend; his children and stepchildren, Renee (Rob) Jones, Theresa (Steve) Tiffany, Lisa (James) Parmalee, Daniel (Corinna) Oliver, Robert (Laura) Oliver, Osmond (Kerry) Oliver, Lorraine (Dennis) Franklin, Karen LaVancha, Tyma (Lynn) Oliver, Clifford (Clarice) Oliver, and Sandra (Verne) Whaley; his brothers, Bruce (Sharon) Townsend, and Albert “Butch” (Darlene) Townsend; his sister, Jean Franklin; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside service for Paul will take place at 11:00am on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Norwich with Pastor Grant Smith officiating.