Happy Anniversary! I love and miss you so much. ❤

My dearest love, I am missing you more than you could ever know.  I walk around the house and sit on the deck and think of all the plans that we made for the rest of our lives.  I tear up when I reflect on all of our memories together and what kind of a life we were gonna have enjoying you being retired.  You were my number on hit:)I know you remember when we would sing that to each other, it puts a smile on my face every time I hear it played.  I had a dream a couple weeks ago, you came in our room and you were dressed in a black pilot suit with a black pilot hat and grabbed my hand and asked me if I was ready to come and be with you.  I quickly said yes and woke up scared because it felt so real to me.  You are ever so present in my mind all the times.  I can't and won't ever forget you.  I love you with every inch of my heart, mind, body and soul. A few days from now I won't be able to talk to you on this website, but I can still come and visit you. I want you to know I will always cherish the fact that you made me Mrs. Melissa Ann Townsend.  Your love for me and how you protected me and took care of me can never be measured. Until we see each other again,may you continue to rest in heaven because we gonna have alot of catching up to do.  Love your sweet wife.

~Sis

wats good mah brotha, i still can't believe dat u are gone........ thx for all da good times and all da laughs cause without u i would not have made it through IRAQ........... P.I.P mah brotha...... hold it down until i get there.....one

Today we celebrate your birth while still mourning the loss of you. You brought so much love, laughter, & light into the lives of people who encountered you. It was truly a blessing to know you. I feel blessed to have known and been able to love you. Thank you for blessing me with an unforgettable friendship and love. Craig Darnell you are missed beyond belief and your memory lives on in my very soul & spirit! Love you.....

It's surreal, a moment lost in time and a year to the day since I last spoke to you. I still can't believe you're gone. I try everyday to get over the fact that you were given your angel wings way too soon in my opinion but I know we can't second guess God. You are missed and loved beyond measure. Your memory will live on in my heart eternally. Continue to rest in heaven Craig Darnell. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten! Love you infinity verys.

Hey Brother, Sorry that we did not keep in touch over the years. I was looking at the pictures and saw you sitting in the M548A2 with the Volcano on the back. I remember that day very well. I promised not to tell but I have to...You placed three boxes of MRE's on the floor in front of the heater to stand on to look out of the hatch...Like I told you not to do...The supercharged heater that we had built heated up those boxes of MREs and blew up...Beef stew everywhere. I have never seen anything funnier! You did smell kind of good that day. Until we meet again!
Sorry for your loss Mrs.Townsend, kids, family and friends. If you all ever need anything that I can help with...send me a email and I will give you my contact information.
DiAngelo.Jacksonsr@gmail.com

Hello my love,
It's hard to believe that next week will be a year since I saw your face.  The kids and I miss you like crazy.  We often sit around and reminisce on how you would handle something or what you would say.  There are so many things that are at home that continually remind us of you.  I know that you will never leave that special place in my heart.  Afterall, you shared it with me for so many years.  I Love you and miss you so terribly.  Happy Valentines Day!!
Your Sissybaby :)

To a true friend and brother you will truly be missed. I'll never forget all the memories we made.

"RED"

It's sometimes difficult to believe that you are gone........you changed my life and I miss you! Love you man!

It's a new year but it's not the same without the loving, caring, hilariously funny you. Missing me some you Craig Darnell Townsend. Love you!!!

Words can't express how much I miss you. It still feels like dream and I think I'm going to wake and you're going to be here. I try to find understanding everyday why God decided to take you so early but I just can't. It hurts so bad but I know as long as I continue to trust in God day by day it will get easier but your memory lives on in my heart now and forever. Love you more than you will ever know Craig Darnell Townsend.

Hey Townsend was thinking about you today still hard to know that you're gone. I remember you use to always joke about my grandma and now you passed a year after she did very sad.  Love you Man just know you're always in my thoughts

SFC (RET) Craig D. Townsend. Our resident veteran angel! Although you're not here on this Veterans Day, you spent 24yrs serving your country and now you're serving our Lord & savior as you watch over us. Love and miss you so much!

I have been having a hard time lately. I miss you giving me my daily hug and kiss. I'm your Darling Darling Baby your sweet and tender love, I miss you waking up every morning to take my purse and bag so that you could walk me to my car in the morning. I miss you coming to greet me everyday and ask me how was my day. I miss you sitting next to me in your chair while we eat dinner. I have 26 yrs of memories. I sleep under your blanket every night , you came and comforted me two weeks ago. I felt you
breathing in my ear, I didnt know what was happening but told me just to lay down. I had so much peace that only you can give. When I go to see you at your resting place it sometimes is peaceful but not always. There are so many things that I want and need to tell you. I do want tell you that, thank you for changing my and making me your wife. I love you!


Up late thinking of you. Still so hard to believe you're gone. I pray that God watches over fat daddy and Kay continuously. I know how much you love your children. We miss and love you so much Craig Darnell that the pain seems everlasting but we know as long as we trust in God the pain won't last always. Until we see each other again, continue to watch over us with all my love.

Thinking of you and missing you so much! Never thought there would be a day I wouldn't hear your voice or see your smile. With so much sadness inside and a heaviness I can't start to explain. Know that you're loved unconditionally. Until we meet again. Rest In Love my sweet.

Remembering, loving and honoring a very special life that was once entertwined with mine. Rest easy Craig Darnell you are our guardian angel on a cloud in heaven above. Love and miss you!

I went looking for you on facebook but couldn't find you and I went to the white pages and saw that you passed away.  My heart dropped instantly.  You were my best friend and when no one understood me you did.  I'm sorry I wished that I could have talked to you one more time before you left this world.  You will be surely missed.  Denise (El Paso, TX)

I was just rambling on facebook looking for old friends. Reminicing about life when it was easy...Saw Ms Melissa and smiled...I sent her a message. Then I automatically went looking for you. Couldn't find you, what I did find was a picture and a RIP message. Im shocked...I saw you right before I left Afghanistan. Father figure type that made just another day in the desert better. You and your wife were always nice to me...showed love. I just wanted to say that you will be missed and you are one among many that made an impact in my life and I will forever be thankful.~ Kameisha Washington~

I Love You and will forever mourn the loss of such a good hearted, loving and caring man!

My Brother...came back from Afghanistan and arrived in El Paso where we continued to break bread from Kentucky...I miss you as we continued to have our man talks own family, on life, and summer barbeques. Man I miss the best black peas and neckbones known to man. I seen you changed for the better of marriage, fatherhood, Christian, and community... most people don't know the man on initimate level like I know you. The brotherhood that you have given me and my family only displays the love you have in your family. You have always told me that my mom raised a hell of a man that loves and endures life challenges, but I am here to let everyone know that this man is a hell of husband, father, and friend and that I miss him and the barbeque we was suppose to have this year. This is my brother from a different mother and I love on him and for him. To the kids and I mean all, he love all and wanted to give more...we talked daily of what's in his heart and the compassion he felt as a father. Lastly, be not forgotten to his wife you change a boy to a better man and a father to his kids. He often expressed that to me dearly as he helped me with my marriage....you meant the world to him. My brother is loved and missed by me, Jacqueline, Laetisia, and Deshaun...this is my family and he has been an inspiration to us all and I miss my brother and the love and guidance he shared... truly a man, brother, and life long friend.

Hey cousin...Just wanted you to know that I Love and miss you...I have your picture on my mantle and everytime I walk by.It feels like you are watching me and smiling....We grew up together more like sister and brother,and even though took  different paths.It didn't change anything.Because whenever I saw you.We picked right back up,like no time was lost:)I Love You and just make sure you continue to smile at me as I pass by your picture:)

Dearest Craig Darnell,
I know you're probably busy where you are having a good time with your folks and watching over us as you were the protector, friend, confidante, mentor and counselor for so many of us and I'm sure your role hasn't changed much other than you aren't physically here.  I don't know if you know it, but this life is just not the same and as much fun without you.  There isn't a moment that does not pass and I don't think of you no matter where I am or what I'm doing.  There isn't a day that does not pass and I don't pray for understanding as to why you left us so soon.  What I miss most of all is our friendship and talking to you.  I replay our conversations over and over in my head, listening for your voice.  You had an amazing talent for calming me during the most trying moments and I need those talks more now than I ever have.  We had so much fun talking about any and everything we could think of to talk about.  We had our arguments too, but we still had our friendship at the end of them.  Thank you for the special flavor you brought to my life and for making my life better.  You are my "best" and "dearest" friend and I love and miss you, Craig Darnell Townsend, exponentially to the infiniteth power and time will never be able to change that... 

With much love, admiration, and respect always...

You are sorely missed and loved without measure!!!

A life loved is a life forever cherished...  I will cherish the memory and life of my "best" and dearest friend forever and ever...  Thank you for being in my life.

Dearest Craig Darnell, this is suppose to be a place where the family and loved ones can express their feelings and share their memories anytime they would like in the months and years to come and I come here often to talk to you, about you and feel close to you because there isn't any other place for me to go right now. I see your face and hear your voice everyday, but it doesn't fill the void, the big, empty hole you have left in my life that will never ever be filled. I know life on earth isn't beyond its challenges and no one is exempt from them, but how does the heart and soul accept a challenge so great as this when its faith has been shaken beyond comprehension? How? Although I'll love you 'til the end of time, I welcome the day my heart and soul is at peace again. Until then, this is a lonely and empty life without you, more than I could have ever imagined it being. As long as there is life and breath in my body, I will keep your memory alive and my promises to you, forever...

Dearest Craig Darnell, one of your favorite sayings was "Recognize the moment". When it came to mind, it was like hearing your voice saying it during one of our many conversations and I couldn't help but smile at the cherished memory of you. I recognize this moment. I recognize you. 

With much love and admiration, always...

In honor and memory of a beautiful and special life.

Craig Darnell, I will light a candle every day, either here or at home as I reflect on the incredible life you've lived. Every day I will love, honor and cherish your life and memory as I promised. Life without your presence is lonely, but life without your laughter is much, much more unreal. You will be loved and missed always...

Today and everyday as memories of my dearest friend flood my mind, I light this candle to honor him and to honor the memories, joys and lessons he's left in my life. Thank you for being the best friend anyone can ever have. I will love you and I miss you forever and ever...

Craig Darnell, you were my "Best Friend" and my life has not been the same since you've been gone away from this earth. My friend, if you can read this, know that you are missed dearly and you are thought of everyday; know you are loved more than you could have ever imagined and know your memory will live on in all the lives you've touched. You were truly a special person. You, as well as your family, will always be in my thoughts and prayer...

A life loved is a life forever cherished... and I will cherish the life and memory of "my dearest and my best friend" forever and ever... I miss you dear friend; I miss you.

I light this candle in memory of my friend who is constantly on my mind and whom I miss more than words can ever say.  Until we meet again, I will carry you in my heart, in my soul, and in my mind.  I will pray for you and your family everyday as I pray for myself.  The gift of family, friendship and love is so amazing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Today I've said an extra prayer for Craig and his family.  I woke up with everyone on my mind. Our love for Craig will endure.

Everyday Craig and his family are not far from my thoughts and prayers. His passing has been an extremely sad, but humbling and moving experience in my life. As I reflect on the life of my friend, I can't help but smile because the joy and laughter he's brought to my life compares to none I've ever had. Although I could not tell him at the time, I now realize I truly love and miss him dearly.  Thank you, Craig, for a cherished friendship I'll never, ever forget.  Rest in peace always.

Sergeant First Class Craig Darnell Townsend, yours is a friendship that will never be forgotten. I miss you. I light this candle in honor of your memory. Thank you for your friendship, mentorship and service as a Soldier.

As the time for us to share our heartfelt condolences and thoughts about the life and passing of our friend, Craig Darnell Townsend, through this guest book quickly comes to an end, today I say a special prayer for his family and friends, for we love and miss him dearly. Though he is not physically here with us, his spirit, love and memories abide in and through us always. In the days, weeks, months, and years to come, I pray God calms our spirits
and grant us peace, continued love, wisdom, patience, and understanding. I pray Craig continues to touch our lives as only he can. This I ask in faith and prayer. Amen.

As I sit at my desk, my thoughts immediately turn to memories of you. If ever I needed your candor, guidance, friendship and understanding, it is now. If ever I've loved another human being, it is you with all my heart. So many people have expressed so many wonderful and heartfelt words about you, it makes me very proud to be your friend. Thank you for always knowing what to say, what to do, how to say it and how to do it. I will use your life as an example of how I want the rest of my life to be. Forever and always I will be thinking of you.

To the entire Townsend and Wills families:

When a person wraps their heart and soul around someone like our hearts and souls are wrapped around Craig Darnell Townsend, "LOVE, HONOR and RESPECT" are the only results there can ever be. There is no one in the world like him. He was a man of wisdom beyond his years; a man of many talents, but would not master any because he didn't want to confine himself to one thing. He was a spirit soaring high and enjoying most of what life had to offer and patiently looked forward to the day he would enjoy the rest. He had a special zest for life and was a dreamer whose life touched everyone he met and graciously changed some for the better. He loved to talk, laugh, and have fun. All the honor and love being bestowed upon his memory is making him blush, but it is well deserved.

Craig was a friend to all and an enemy to none. He loved being a husband, soulmate, and father; a son and brother; a nephew, cousin, friend, confidante, and mentor. Words will never truly express the deep sadness I feel since learning my dear friend has gone from this earth, but I am even more saddened to know he has left behind a family and friends who meant so much to him and he to them. As you read this guest book from time to time, I pray the words within it brings you comfort and joy knowing so many people loved,  cherished, respected Craig for himself and valued his friendship and brotherhood even more. I will cherish the life and memory of my dear friend forever and ever. May the memory of his sweet smile always warm your hearts and many continued blessings be bestowed upon your families in the days, months and years to come. His life has been a blessing to us all.

I light an eternal flame for the life of Craig Darnell Townsend. C-Town I will love you forever and ever. Rest in peace, my friend.

Happy Birthday Craig. 
I'm very saddened to learn of your passing. 
My prayers go out to your loved ones. 
Rest in Peace my friend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! my dearest friend. Today and every day is your day. I light this candle on your birthday and every day of the year because you will never, never be at rest in my heart, soul and mind. I will never forget the absolute wonderful, amazing and beautiful person you are. I will carry the light of your strength, wisdom, friendship, love and smile in my heart forever. I love and miss you, Craig Darnell Townsend, exponentially to the infiniteth power.

My Prayer goes out to the family of this well distinguished Sapper. He will be truly missed

Craig Darnell, this day and everyday has been surreal since you left us. Words can't explain how much you're missed and loved. May you smile down on us as you sit upon your seat in heaven as our guardian angel. Love

I had you on my mind cousin.So I just wanted to light this candle to let you know that I'm thinking of you.Love you to pieces:)

I only just heard of Sfc Townsend's passing. My prayers go out to you all.
Clarksville, TN

~Lucinda Warner-Burt

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Praying that God will grant your family Peace that surpasses all human understanding. May he be your guiding light in what may seem to be your darkest hour.

To the family of Craig Townsend,
 Even though I only knew Craig for a short period of time, I'm proud to say that I had the HONOR of calling him my friend, I am deeply saddened at the news of this untimely passing. He was a great man. I will NEVER forget all the advice he gave me, the jokes we shared when we were volunteering at the food shelter, and his love for life in general. I pray that GOD looks over your family during this difficult time. My sadness can never be measured at the loss of my friend and confidant. My family and I will miss him terribly.

To Melissa Bonds Townsend and Family,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.   

Williams Family from Marion, Indiana (Linda, Liza, Melvin Jr., and Aretha)

My prayers go out  for the Townsend Family May our heavenly father be with in your time of need...

We shared many a good time on our deck with Craig and Melissa, along with Ed and Wendy.  Even though we moved, he was still our good neighbor and friend.  Bless Melissa and family.  He will be missed greatly.

Bill & Mary Ann Jarvis

To Sharon and Don, The Townsend and Wills families, I along with my family offer our deepest sympathy in the loss of your son and my little buddy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I will forever remember Craig as the "Protector" a name I gave him at a very early age and one that he lived up to not only while serving his country, but throughout his entire life. May God Bless us all during this time of sorrow.

My nephew will surely be missed by family and friends.  Rest in peace Craig.

Always and forever in my heart...R.I..H...Cuzzo...smooches

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYER GOES OUT TO THE ENTIRE TOWNSEND FAMILY.  CRAIG WILL BE SADLY MISSED.  RIH MY DEAR FRIEND?

I light this candle in memory of Craig Darnell Townsend, a man who meant so much to so many. The flame Craig lit in our hearts, souls, and minds are just as eternal as the flame on this candle. Until we meet again... Rest in peace, dear friend

My heart goes out to anyone that has had the pleasure of having Craig as a part of their lives.He is one of my favorite cousins that I Love from the bottom of my heart.No matter how mad he made you.You couldn't help but to Love him dearly.He is someone that no matter how hard he was on you.He loved and lived for his family,and he just wanted everyone to succeed:)I Love You Craig.You will forever be in my heart:)

Sorry to hear about your lost. I will keep you and your Family in my prayer's.

Erica Kiper
Old Navy Family

You were truly a blessing to know & to have as a part of my life. God has called an original home. Mag God continue to bless your family in their time of need. Til we meet again my friend. Love you & you will truly be missed.....

To the entire Townsend and Wills families;

My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved and my "Best Friend". Craig brought joy, laughter, smiles, and sunshine into the lives of everyone he met. He was not without a kind word to everyone, especially those he knew needed a little extra encouragement to get them through.  He was a pillar of strength during challenging times and always knew just what to say, how to say it, what to do and how to do it, no matter the situation or circumstance. His love for his family and friends and their love for him knows no boundaries and was expressed openly, honestly and genuinely from the heart.  The love, admiration, and respect he had for others and we had for him speaks to the character of the man and his life that we cherish and miss so dearly. "I will not let you walk this road alone" he once said and he was true to every word. Craig Darnell Townsend will forever be in our hearts, in our souls and in our minds. You will forever be in my prayers.

Words will never express the sorrow that is being felt with the passing of such a truly wonderful and loved person.  Craig was a proud husband and father; a trusted son, brother, and nephew; an honest, caring; and loyal friend and best of all a selfless leader and Soldier.  He had an extrordinary way of helping one to see the silver lining in the impossible.   He will be truly missed by all who has come in contact with him during his lifetime.  The angels in heaven are rejoicing to have him on their team.  May the days ahead bring much sunshine and healing to the entire Townsend and Wills families as the memories of Craig is shared and thought upon.  May his smile always light a candle of love and warmth in your hearts forever.  My deepest condolences today and always...

May our God of peace be with each of you during this hour.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Hold on to your memories by keeping them near to your heart.

Angel Taylor-Boyd
AHS '89 classmate and friend

TO MY FAMILY, THE WILLS AND TOWNSEND FAMILY, MAY GOD GRANT YOU PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. CRAIG WILL BE MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. KEEPING YOU ALL IN PRAYER..SHEREEKIA & DASANI JAY WALKER

" Rest in peace my beloved brother, I can still hear your words of encouragement and devotion to all things. You are in my heart and in my family as well. My deepest condolences goes out to the family members for your loss."

Melissa, 
  Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel at the tragic loss of Craig. Our hearts go out to you and your family in your time of sorrow.
                                                       Love you, The Folks Family ( Madison, AL)

This guy was and still one of my fathers best friends and nephew , he will be truly missed.

To the family of SFC. Townsend, I offer my deepest sympathy for your loss. SFC Townsend was a great leader of men and an inspiration to his subordinates as we work in the 402nd FA BDE. He would make my day a little easier with a joke or two just to  cheer me up. You will be missed.

"Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.  My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.  Too many this was sudden and a huge shock, I served with Craig as a Brother in Combat during Bosnia, Aco 9th Engineer Bn.  He provided us all strength with a song by Terry Garmon- Anyway.  He will be truly missed by many.  My condolences to the family, words seem inadequate to express the sadness we all feel about this unfortunate loss.  Stay strong and positive.... Craig is in a much better place, God has brought him home."

Respectfully, SFC Robert F. Shorter (Ret)  Elizabethtown, Kentucky

To the family of Sfc. Townsend, I offer my deepest sympathy for your loss. Craig was a great leader of men and an inspiration to his subordinates. I knew Craig back when I was stationed at Ft. Benning with the 317th Engineers in 1997-2001. He was a great man and even better Soldier.


Rest in peace SFC Townsend, and my deepest condolences to your Family. It was an honor to serve with you.

My dearest friend,
You will definitely be missed. A tragic shock to us all who knew and loved you. My condolences to his family that he loved and talked about, always. Your craziness will be missed for sure. May God be with the family. 

~Your Friend to the End~

You're with the Lord now. Thank you for serving our country so bravely. It was an honor to serve next to you.

My deepest condolences to the Townsend family. Me and Craig were roommates for 14 months in Iraq and we came brothers.  Man I am in shock and I just miss my little Bro. 

Emanuel B. Williams
SFC, USA 
FT. Sam Houston, Tx

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs Townsend and family.

To my friend I will miss you and I will never forget you.. To the family Sis,Montez,Fat Daddy. My prayers go out to you all....

Craig you will always be remember as an excellent NCO and great friend.. you will for sure be miss..

SFC Townsend,
I am having a hard time with this, as I know your family and other friends are too.  I was the lowest ranking soldier in our BDE during the time period you were with us and you never treated me any different.  I will never forget our inspirational talk when I had to drive you up on mission about the challenges I faced as a single mom, single soldier, and a child with special needs - thanks for all of your words of encouragement.  My friend, you will be missed!  Continue to soldier on in heaven!  God bless your family - Tracy Thomas "T"

To the family of SFC Townsend, I meet him when I was a Drill Sergeant at Fort   , Missouri. He was cool, calm and said what was on his mind. He should have been a Drill Sergeant himself. I thought of him like a brother who would tell me if I was wrong or right. When it came to road marches, he told me that it is not his job but he would do it if he had too.  The people who were in the same company, we were like family. We criticize each other and at the same time we took care of each other. He will be missed! I am also glad that I introduced my husband to him because he was definitely funny and a trustworthy person.

My prayers are with you and God bless your family

Craig(Firecracker)...how do I say goodbye to my best friend? We were just laughing and joking the day before...I just can't do it..I will just cherish the laughs and memories that we had.  I know that you are in heaven watching and protecting all of us whom you loved and left behind.  I will continue to pray for your family during this difficult time. Our lives were truly blessed for being given the privilege to know and love you.  Rest in Heaven...

OBITUARY

Mr. Craig D. Townsend

March 23, 1971 – February 26, 2013

Arch L. Heady at Resthaven

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