Kenneth L. Townsend, 81, of Trafalgar, IN, and lifelong Johnson County farmer passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. He was born August 14, 1936 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, IN to Harry W. Townsend and Ruth E. (Beaman) Townsend. He married Rosemae “Ricki” (Neher) Townsend on June 16, 1957 in Peru, Indiana, she survives.
He was a 1954 graduate of Franklin High School and attended Franklin College. He had been a sales representative for TOX-O-WIK Company and later he alongside his wife owned and operated Townsend Sales and Manufacturing Livestock Equipment in Trafalgar, IN for 50 years where they displayed at the Indiana State Fair, National Farm Machinery Show, and the North American International Livestock Exposition and many other shows for many years. He was a lifelong farmer in Johnson County having dairy farmed in his earlier years. He was a 70 year member of Union Christian Church where he had served as deacon, elder, and secretary of the board. He was a member of Trafalgar Masonic Lodge and the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite. He had served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He always had a smile while wearing his Stetson hat.
Survivors include his wife Rosemae “Ricki” (Neher) Townsend of Trafalgar, IN, daughter Ellen Mae Paris (Rick) of Franklin, IN, a son Lee W. Townsend of Trafalgar, IN; three grandchildren Ryan Paris of Indianapolis, IN, Brandon Paris (Jordan) of Trafalgar, IN, and Kendall Paris (Ellen) of Whiteland, IN; two great-grandchildren Brianna Paris and Durrani Paris, and several nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Stanley G. Townsend on February 13, 2008; and sister-in-law Susie (Anderson) Townsend on December 25, 2014.
The Reverend Allen Whitehurst will conduct a Celebration of Life Service Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 11:30AM at Union Christian Church, 1331 E. 300 South, in Franklin, IN. Friends may call Monday, October 16, 2017 from 3-7PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN, and from 10AM Tuesday, October 17, 2017 till service time at the church. Burial will be in First Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Franklin, IN. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions may be made to the Union Christian Church Capital Building Fund, 1331 East 300 South, Franklin, IN 46131 or the American Heart Association Midwest Affiliate, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL, 60674. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information at 317-738-0202.