George E. Townsend's Obituary
Mr. George E. Townsend, age 78, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2004 at a local nursing home. He was born May 27, 1926 in Ontonagon, MI to Goodenough and Fayebelle (Robinson) Townsend. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served from May 1944 – June 1946 in WWII. Mr. Townsend was employed by the Ravenna School System for 32 years starting as a teacher and coach, becoming principal and eventually superintendent of the Ravenna School System, prior to his retirement in 1982. On December 20, 1947, he married the former Lois J. Danielson in Marquette, MI. He was active as an Eagle Scout, Chairman of Budget & Missions Committee of the United Appeal, 32nd Degree Mason and past Master, involved with the Ravenna Lions Club, and the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce. Following his retirement, he worked as the Ravenna Village Treasurer from 1986 – 2002. He was also the first president of the Ravenna Chapter of the MEA. He enjoyed woodworking, vegetable gardening, reading and writing. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry, as an usher, and Eucharistic Minister since age 17. SURVIVORS include his wife, Lois of Ravenna; 3 daughters, Leigh Joyce (Michael) Wilson of Roosevelt Park, Pamela Faye Townsend of Cheboygan, MI, Sue Ann (Mark) Champion of Scottville, MI; 5 grandchildren, Gerri Wilson, Melina Scott, Nathan Scott, Andrew Champion, and Bethany Champion; 2 great grandchildren, Kira Faye and Karek William; 1 brother, John Townsend of Ontonagon, MI; three nephews, Mike (Doris) Townsend, Peter (June) Townsend, and Mike Barrett. He will also be missed by Herman Bear and family. He was preceded in death by his parents. A SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Fr. Joseph Ashby presiding. VISITATION will be held one hour prior to the service, 10-11 AM Tuesday at the church. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please consider memorial contributions to the Thieme-Beechnau Memorial Fund, c/o Diane Patterson, PO Box 168, Ravenna, MI 49451 or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book on-line at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements handled by Sytsema Funeral Home, 737 Apple Avenue, (231) 726-5210
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