Ronald James Townsend, Sr Obituary (1936 - 2009)

Ronald James Townsend, Sr., 73, Roscoe, Illinois, died at 8:29 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2009 in his home from cancer after a short term illness. Born January 31, 1936, in Harvard, Illinois, the son of Mr. and Mrs. James and Gladys (Clark) Townsend. Lived 31 years in Roscoe, coming here from Machesney Park. Married Almeda Keller in Harvard, Illinois on October 26, 1957. He was employed as a truck driving trainer by Mansur Trucking for five years. Veteran of the Korean War serving in the US Army 99 th Field Artillery. Member of Central Christian Church in Beloit, Wisconsin. Graduated from Harvard High School, Harvard, Illinois. Survivors include his wife, Almeda N. Townsend, Roscoe, Illinois; daughter Terri (John) Lenz, Roscoe, Illinois; sons James Townsend, South Beloit, Illinois and Ronald James (Charlene) Townsend, Jr., Roscoe, Illinois; granddaughter Stacy (Tracy) Young, South Beloit, Illinois; grandson Scott (Sarah) Olson, Rockford, Illinois; granddaughters Paige (Arron) Townsend, South Beloit, Illinois, Ashley Lenz, Roscoe, Illinois and Sheri Swanborg, Rockford, Illinois; grandson John Lenz III, Rockford, Illinois; eight great grandchildren; brother Bob Fletcher, Florida; sister Betty Collins, Illinois, sister and brother-in-laws; many nieces and nephews and many other loving family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Gladys Townsend, brothers Fred and Stuart Townsend and sister Lolitta Finger. Funeral ceremonies will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 21, 2009 at McCorkle Funeral Home 767 N Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton, Illinois with the Reverend Joel Otto pastor of Central Christian Church, Beloit, Wisconsin officiating. Cremation rites to be accorded. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2009. In lieu of flowers a memorial is to be established.