William R. Townsend

William R. “Bill” Townsend, 82, passed away on Thursday morning, December 26, 2024, at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru. 

Born June 2, 1942, in Powell County, Kentucky, he was the son of Troy and Ila Mae (Starnes) Townsend. On July 3, 1961, in Mexico, Indiana, he was married to Judith Ann Nearon, and she survives. 

He was a retired railroader for C&O Railroad/CSX. He attended The Old Crossroads Baptist Church in Gilead, Indiana. Bill loved gardening and fishing. He spent a lot of time in his younger years hunting, especially small game animals. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Three Oaks, Michigan. He enjoyed tinkering with things and trying to fix whatever was in front of him. He enjoyed spending time with his family more than anything, and he loved the family’s annual gathering where everyone came together to share stories and memories. He was an avid story-teller, and he loved trying to convince family into believing his tall tales. 

Survivors include his wife, Judith Townsend, Peru; daughter, Julie (Scott) Hundley, Long Beach, California; sons, Billy Townsend, Peru; Steven Townsend (Faye), Macy; eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; one brother, Shelby (Mary Ellen) Townsend, Peru; and one sister, Nancy (Will) Penny, Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Larry Townsend; brothers, Thomas Townsend, and Freeman Townsend, and one nephew, Troy Warren. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with Pastor Thad Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru. 

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be directed towards The Old Crossroads Baptist Church. 

 McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.