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Billy “Bill” D. Townsend, 78, of Des Arc, MO, passed away Saturday, November 27, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO. He was born Jan. 10, 1943, to parents Alfred and Susie “Pauline” (Curtis) Townsend.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of thirty-one years, the former Lauraye Henderson, of the home. Loving father of Dana Wade and husband Ben of Barnhart, MO; grandson, Jacob Sherrill of Festus, three brothers, Donnie Townsend and wife Karin of Piedmont, Bob Townsend and wife Marcia of Hermitage, sister, Susie Townsend of Paducah, KY; sister-in-law Donna Townsend; a great niece, Chyanne, who was raised by Bill as a daughter; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Dennis Townsend.
Bill was raised around Conran, MO, the son of sharecroppers. He attended and graduated High School in Portageville, MO, before enlisting in the United States Army. He was a member of the 82nd airborne and jump qualified. He had served as a military policeman during his enlistment. He was stationed in Italy.
He was united in marriage to Pat Crain in 1964, and to this union one child was born. Pat preceded him in death.
When Bill returned from service he moved to St. Louis, MO, where he became a St. Louis Policeman in 1964 and in 1971 he became part of the mounted police. During his time he was honored to serve with his brothers, Donnie and Dennis, also St. Louis Police officers. One might ask how did Bill find Piedmont? Being friends with Bob Frye, he was convinced of the great hunting and fishing. That was all it took.
When Bill moved full time to this area he took a job as an officer with the Piedmont Police from 1978-1989. After police work Bill had found truck driving jobs with M & G Gas and Strickland Trucking. He also had worked with James Gray as a carpenter for about five years. His last job was caretaker for Mt. View Cemetery, Des Arc, MO. He served in that capacity for 17 years. He took great pride in his work there. When memorial day came everything was perfect. He will be missed in that capacity. At home, Bill was also a huge help in raising American Eskimo dogs with wife Lauraye. According to Lauraye he was a great dog midwife, having saved the lives of countless puppies.
Bill was an active member at Harvest Full Gospel Church in Des Arc. He wore many hats from bus driver, worship team, deacon board, Sunday school teacher, and worship leader. Bill was saved while driving a truck in the early 90’s. He purposed his life to serve his Lord Jesus far above how he had served the devil.
His kindness and a soft spoken word along with a little humor will be greatly missed.
Visitation was held Wednesday, December 1, 2021, from 5:00-8:00 pm, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont, MO. Funeral service was held Thursday, December 2, 2021, at 11:00 am, also at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont. Bro. Bob Townsend ministered to the family. Bro. Jimmy Nelson read the obituary and a poem. Jacob Sherrill, Josh Gray, Doug Bond, Norbert Bond, Chance Townsend, and Jimmy Townsend served as pallbearers. Burial was at Mt. View Cemetery, Des Arc, MO, with full military honors provided by the United States Army and American Legion Post 281 of Piedmont, MO. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com.
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