Elmer D Townley

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Elmer D Townley, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

Elmer was born July 1, 1937, in Corona, California. He was the son of Elmer and Annie Townley. Elmer was raised in Riverside, California, and he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Elmer was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Elmer was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Elmer was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Elmer also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Elmer was raised with five siblings. He had two brothers, Wayne and Mickey and three sisters, Elva, Pauline, and Elaine. Elmer was constantly involved in activities with his family. Elmer and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Growing up, Elmer was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Elmer was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Elmer was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Elmer took part in a number of activities as a child. He was active in church.

Elmer was married to Ruby Nell Hambrick on December 21, 1955, in Portalis, New Mexico. Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Elmer. He was totally committed to Ruby and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Elmer naturally sensed his spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Elmer disliked conflict, he did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

Elmer was a good father to his children. He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Elmer was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Elmer was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Elmer was blessed with four children, Jimmy, Richard, Kathy and Terry. He was also blessed with fifteen grandchildren.

If you gave Elmer a deadline, he would meet it. At work, Elmer was always on task. Without hesitation, Elmer could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was Heavy Equipment Operator. During that time, Elmer excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Elmer was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Elmer had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

Elmer was a Navy veteran. He seemed to thrive on the routines offered up by the military. Being a literal thinker with a calm exterior helped him handle the rigors of the military. He served in San Francisco during our countries peacetime.

Elmer liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Elmer's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Elmer preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were any outdoor activities and swap meets.

While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Elmer often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was basketball.

Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Elmer had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included his trip to Alaska.

Elmer had two favorite dogs, Dillion, a Black Lab and Tina, a Chihuahua. He had Dillion for 11 years. Elmer was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

When Elmer's retirement finally arrived in October 31, 1999, he was well prepared. He had taken the time to learn about his various options and chose his course wisely. In retirement, he found new pleasure in traveling and camping. Even in retirement, Elmer continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

Elmer passed away on November 16, 2010 in Fontana, California. He is survived by his wife, Ruby and three children; Rick Townley, Kathy DeFalco and Terry Townley. He was preceded in death by his son, Jimmy. Services were held Monday, November 22, 2010, at 1:00 PM, at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Avenue, Beaumont, California. Elmer was laid to rest in Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Elmer was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Elmer was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Elmer Townley was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Elmer. He will be missed.