He grew up in Rockwood, Texas. He married Betty J. Brown in Whon, Texas in August 30, 1952. He served in the U.S. Army going to Korea from 1952 to 1954. Alton and Betty moved to Abilene in 1955. He built many homes in Abilene and surrounding area with his sons and father over 40 years. He took great pride in working for John E. Beall and Wayne Sanford.
Alton was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Betty; parents; and great grandson Logan Townsend.
Alton is survived by; 2 daughters; Karin and James Goundie of Clyde; Linda and Ken Ford of Oklahoma; 3 sons; Jim Townsend; Mike and Cheryl Townsend; Donald and Lynn Townsend of Abilene; 10 grandchildren Cary McMinn, Jenie and Dave Shirley of Oklahoma, Adam and Jeanie Rutherford, Gary and Cassandra Rutherford, Shelly and Darren Brown of Clyde, Robby and Julianna Townsend of Elmdale, Brett and Nicole Townsend, Brianna Townsend of Abilene, Mandy and Stephen Fowler of Vernon, Steven and Theea Townsend of Haskell, 17 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren; sister Gladys and Cliff Burfield, and 3 nephews
Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 2:00 PM, 542 Hickory St., with is nephew James Crim officiating, burial will follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitation for Alton will be held Monday, April 16, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Gary, Adam and Chandler Rutherford, Brett, Robby, and Steven Townsend, and Collin Brown
He was a wonderful father and grandfather. He will be missed by all who loved him.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com for the Townsend family.
