I just learned of Mr. Townsend's passing. I was saddened to hear of the loss and saddened that I missed reading about it to be with my lifelong friend, Angie. I have fond memories of Mr. and Mrs. Townsend and will never forget my trip with them to Six Flags as a kid. What a wonderful legend and I am glad my path crossed not this amazing family. So sorry for your loss. Much love and Sympathy.

My sisters asked me to post my Dad's Eulogy that I shared at the Funeral Mass. I did my best to paint a picture of my dads life and capture his spirit in just a few words. There was so much he did and worked for that I could write volumes but I hope I touched on enough to let you see just how wonderful and special he was to us. On behalf of myself, my sisters, my dad’s brother and sisters and our families we would like to thank you for joining us today in saying goodbye and honoring my father Michael Townsend. My dad was the oldest of 11 sisters and brothers. He attended Sacred Heart grade school. He was paperboy and worked in a grocery store among other jobs to put himself through high school at Cathedral Boys School. He moved away for college and graduate school and returned back to his hometown of Springfield to raise his family with his beautiful wife Carol whom he loved with all his heart. It is not every day you meet someone like my dad. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, teacher, co-worker and most of all human being. Many of you are here today because you have had one or more of these relationships with him and you(we)want to pay tribute to his life. And what a life. I’m not talking about a life of riches, power, and comforts. My dad did not strive to have those things. I’m talking a life of giving, helping and caring for others. That was what was important to him. That’s what got him out of bed and drove him each day. He truly cared about people. Not just his family and friends but his fellow neighbors, local and across the globe. This is why he chose a career in Social Work and then chose to be a professor in this field. So that he could share and engage others in the gift of helping and giving to those in need. He loved his classes and his students. He appreciated greatly and often told them how special and fortunate they were to be pursuing a career where they could make a positive difference in the lives of others. A career that was not easy and often accompanied by tears and sadness. A career that’s day’s work did not end at 5:00 each day or bring home a lot of pay. But he reminded them it was a career full of real rewards and happiness that did not come home in the form of a huge paycheck. Professor Mike practiced what he preached. He walked the walk. Dad put his heart and soul into his work like no other person I have known.  Dad was a great organizer and he used that skill to pull his students and friends in the community together with the common goals of helping others and making positive changes in the community. It is humbling how many groups and programs he started or worked with to accomplish this. His first love the Springfield Streetside Boosters, The Blacks, Whites and Blues Festivals, The Marcus Garvey Freedom School, Social Justice Newspaper, King Cobra Golden Gloves Boxing Club, Blues in the Schools, Circle of Dreams Sculpture project, Black Liberation Radio and his dedication to saving Griffin Woods just to name a few. Our family enjoyed going to and helping with several of these projects and events. My mom loved listening to the blues musicians brought down from Chicago at the Blacks, Whites and Blues festival and my sisters and I, and eventually my nephew Jerry, loved helping at the book sales at the University and the haunted house they put on to raise money for these programs and events. We even went on the field trips with kids at the various schools and summer programs they ran.  Over the years I have come across many, many letters from people who were once children in one of his programs that wrote to thank him for the guidance he gave them as well as students he taught and mentored. The letters meant so much to him and he saved them all.  My dad made many great and lifetime friends through these projects. One being his dear friend Imbana whom he talked to every day until he passed discussing politics, news and the game of the day. My dad loved sports and played them all through grade school and high school. He had a knack for sports statistics which his grandson Jerry shared with him and they watched games together weekly.  When it came to Family dad was even more dedicated than his career. Dad was the “glue.” He was a wonderful husband who loved my mom so much he never even once considered having anyone but himself take care of her when she was sick. He cared for her to her last day at home where she was comfortable and where he could be by her side 24 hours. Our family’s appreciation and admiration for him taken to a whole new level. His kind and gentle ways made the care he gave her look easy and he never complained. Before mom got sick they were a team. They were always together. They listened to music together, cooked together and enjoyed hosting the family for special occasions. Through thick and thin dad just always wanted to make mom happy. He was a great brother to my mom’s twin sister Aunt Nancy and son to their mother Rose. He would do anything for them and put special effort into buying them even the littlest gifts. He loved being the big brother to his many sisters and brothers. He would babysit them, drive them all around and had fun scaring them and making them laugh. Dad admired and cherished his parents. He always made time for them and we were over at Grandma and Granpa T.’s constantly on the weekends growing up. A typical evening would be us sitting around Grandma Townsend’s kitchen table Dad holding court about something yet pausing often and respectfully to Grandpa T. when he wanted to put his two cents in. Our aunts and uncles and maybe a cousin or two stopping by and grabbing a chair at that coveted table and joining in. Dad was a great conversationalist and he and my grandfather were a wealth of knowledge. Both well read and sharing all kinds of things and stories at that table. All while Grandma T. might be sharing something she had just whipped up that day like her homemade pizza or sitting down and writing out a recipe. Our conversation often switching to food and dad mentioning his favorite things she made hoping maybe next time she would make one. I can hear him now saying “mmm those chicken and noodles you make- mmm now those are good, no one makes them like you”. The way he would complement her about her cooking was so sweet and it showed how much he adored his mom. Dad was “the glue”. Even when we were adults he would make sure that we would get to both sides of the families during the holidays to spend time.  He was a great father who coached us in softball, never missed a track meet, packed us our lunches for school and ran us around town like a taxi. His love and caring for his grandchildren was endless as well. He was so proud of each one of them for their own strengths and loved going on trips or just taking them to the zoo, fair or just out for ice cream. He loved to ask them or “text” them about what they were up to. Asking them about school, or how they did in their latest game or their job. He loved sharing the holidays with them most of all! He was always there for them like he was for my sisters and I. Dad and mom raised my nephew Jerry who became the son my dad never had and his best friend. He loved our husbands and always said he had the best son-in-laws anyone could ask for. He was proud of them, and enjoyed just hanging out and talking to them. He was “the glue” of our family. He would send reminders to all us about the next birthday coming up so we could be sure and send a card. And boy did he like to send cards. We could not wait to get his latest card! They were usually hilarious with an added goofy comment of his own or a nice note. My Aunt Marilyn recently told me, he never had a harsh word to say about anybody and she just loved his sense of humor. He was witty and I think we all got his sense of humor. He loved to laugh with us. He would often ask us if we had seen the last Saturday Night Live, which was tradition to watch with him if we were home, and go on about the best skit of the night’s show. Dad loved the simple things like this and having his coco and toast each morning. Reading, listening to music and the holidays. If anyone knows my dad they know he loves collecting things. And what two better things go together than Christmas and collecting! Even though his collections have changed over the years, one besides books had become an obsession! A mostly good obsession! Let’ just say when we tried to talk my dad out of buying a decoration after Christmas one time he said, “hey, I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs, I DO Christmas!!” It was his vice. Christmas. For many years one or more sisters depending on who was home would wake up early the day after Christmas and go shopping with him. And I have to admit- I too was just as guilty as him in the partaking. One may say it was very apropos that dad loved Christmas. The idea of Santa Claus came from the tale of St. Nicholas. He was a Christian bishop from Turkey who helped the needy. After his death, the legend of gift giving spread throughout the world. Santa is often described as self-less, kind, giving, gentle, generous, jolly, cozy and loved coco. They are describing my dad. He was and always will be our Santa Claus.  They say people come into your life for a reason. I think we are blessed to have had him in ours and are better people from knowing him. By taking some of the things we have learned from him and making them part of us he will shine through us. He was genuine. He was inspiring. He was kind. We love you dad and we will miss you more than words can say.

Class of 1994. You were my inspiration to serve others! Libby Houston

Thanks Mike, I was from class of 88 and you served me and my education well. You were a truly genial spirit

Such an inspiration to so many and a great loss. I feel so fortunate to have been a student of his. May his spirit live on in the lives touched by the many social workers he taught and inspired.

Sad to learn that Mike has crossed over. Such a quietly supportive instructor. Grace Sweatt BSW Class 2004

Mike was one of the best professors I ever had. He was funny, compassionate, smart and loved by all! He made his mark on Sangamon State university as well as UIS. Jesus bless all those who loved him especially his family. Love you always Mike.

Truly a wonderful individual. He was one of the first persons to help open my eyes to the real world around me. He helped me to see where I fit in the world, in terms of a career AND the ability to impact change. I am forever thankful for the opportunity to have been his student.

I just learned of Mike's death today. I wrote a tribute on my FaceBook page and will paste it here. Forgive the length. I know I'm expressing the thanks of many when I say thank you for sharing him with us. May he join his dear wife and be in well deserved peace.  In honour of Mike Townsend-- may he rest so very righteously in peace. "Evil is evil and must be opposed. In that sense we really don't have a choice once we become aware of its presence. Will evil win out in the long run? I don't believe so, in that sense we already know we are on the winning side. The question is not whether we will win but when, our individual and ground efforts and historical conditions will determine that. Can we hasten that day and prevent unnecessary human suffering? Yes, we have a duty to do so. How? Think radical, act radical and educate others to do so and join us. --- Mike Townsend Mike Townsend was a major influence in my life and mentored me to follow my dream during less than ideal circumstances. Mike had a huge impact on me persisting and achieving my goals. Mike was indescribable. Look at that face carefully. It says so much about him. Gentle yet fierce. Radical yet traditional. A man of faith. And always on the side of justice. All ways. Soft yet unyielding. His gentle voice and easy laugh made the unsurmountable feel achievable. Yet he could get fire in his belly. You knew where Mike Townsend stood on issues of justice. In the 80's I had my first class with Mike and then made my way to his office to ask if he would be my advisor. His values so resonated and his gentleness and supportive nature was something I required if this would work for me. That started a long relationship as he stuck with me through my protracted studies for my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. And, of course, I took every class he taught. I wasn't a traditional student. I was nursing my first baby when I received my BA in 1989 and I was nursing my third baby when I got my MA in 1995. Mike took his grandson to the same UIS day care I took my daughter and we'd compare notes on kids. And as always, if you were involved with Mike, you were involved in one of his social action projects: too many to name. Attached I have a handwritten letter from him that I have saved. I run across it every year or so and it still rings true. It was written in response to an assignment where I had expressed frustration with all the push for change and so little change happening. Mike was of the same justice seeking cloth of my dear brother Max who had mentored me in Carbondale and had taught me about social action and included me in campaigns and efforts for change. By that time I was starting to become cynical about where that energy was going and had expressed myself. I'll post his eloquent response in the comments.  My cynicism didn't work at all and our class had to pick a social action project and the next thing I know we are picketing the Governor's office as voices for the children involved in DCFS who we had become aware were being moved from home to home and unsafe foster homes and basically mismanaged. And guess who had the job of being spokesperson with the TV cameras and microphone stuck in my face and fielding calls and interviews-- all the while Professor Santa Claus had his gentle smile and chuckled with an "I told you so" pride.  The annual book sales. The Marcus Garvey Freedom School. His babies. The non-traditional internship/placements he could help his students dream up. Brilliant. Mike and I were close. I bet many of his students could say that. Somehow we always ran into each other. Even one of my last trips from New Zealand to Springfield. Always big hugs and feeling like I was catching up with my proud father. Thank you so much Mike. I'm glad I thanked you when you were alive, but sometimes you don't quite get the true significance of a person in your life until you are pondering their death. I have a busy day of work today, but I had to get these words out to honour his legacy before I get back to the work he enabled me to be able to do.  Mike, please find my dear brother Max Aud and work some magic please. You are two peas in a pod. And if you can do anything there with the mess going on down here, I have no doubt that "social action" will be first on your list.  Much love and admiration to you Mike Townsend.

What a great Man, happy to say that I have talked with him so many times. We called him the book man at our house. My children sold him many books over the years. A man with a very big heart and so much knowledge.

I worked with Mike in a summer program at Sangamon State University many years ago. What a kind and dedicated man! I was a older student at that time at SSU and learned so much from him. My condolences to his family.

Mike was my Professor and Advisor at Sangamon State University when I returned to college in 1990 to prepare for a "second career." I was inspired by his unlimited passion to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, whether it meant speaking out against societal injustices or sharing time and resources with the youth in the community. It was an honor to work with him and his friend, M'Banna Kantako, for ten years, as Mike integrated his Social Action Classes into local educational/service opportunities and facilitated college internships in their Summer School Programs for children. Most of these children grew up to excel in their personal, educational, and professional lives! All the children loved and respected Mike, sometimes calling him "Santa Claus" because he loved them, interacted with them, and gave them lots of books (and, yes, possibly because he had a long beard)! I will always remember Mike as a wonderful man of integrity, compassion, and selflessness. He had a dream of justice for all, and he contributed his utmost to make that dream come true. To his family, I send my condolences and love.

My deepest condolences to the Townsend family and friends for the loss of your dear loved one Michael. Please read God's wonderful promise in his word to Bible for the loved ones we have lost in death it will give you hope and comfort in this time of pain grief and sorrow John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:3,4.

The Townsend family and the Thean family were friends even before any of their children were born. The Townsend kids and the Thean kids would play together while the parents played cards and visited. Michael and my brother, John Thomas, were the oldest. Both were very kind-hearted even as youngsters. I haven't seen Michael for a long time, but I always admired him. I will pray for him and all his family. May your wonderful and fun memories sustain you at this difficult time.

I want to extend my sympathy to the Townsend family. Mike was a colleague at UIS. I admired many things about Mike, but what I remember most was his commitment to those who needed help and support. His leadership to summer programs for children provide just one example of his goodness and generous spirit. It was a privilege to know and work with him.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Donna

A face and name from my childhood neighborhood and grade school. I have followed his career and know he impacted the lives of many--especially those at greatest risk. One of those "good and faithful servants" with whom God is well pleased. My sympathies to his large family. May he rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Michael P. Townsend

November 23, 1939 – August 18, 2017

Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center-Springfield

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