Eugene Townsend

Eugene Townsend returned to his Heavenly home on March 13, 2013. Eugene was born September 17, 1933 in Boone, North Carolina to Gathas Alonzo and Rose Bell (Miller) Townsend. He moved to Tieton, Washington with his family in 1945. He felt a little alone and uncomfortable in his new surroundings until he discovered baseball. He loved playing baseball. He played Legion ball during the summer and for Highland High School during the school year. He was a member of the league All Star baseball team his senior year. He also played with the 14th Regiment while stationed in Korea for a year. When he was discharged from the Army he attended Central Washington University where he was able to play on the Wildcat baseball team his freshman year. Unfortunately, a leg injury cut his baseball career short. Gene loved sports of all kinds. He loved coaching, playing and being a spectator. He especially enjoyed watching his grandkids play. Every family reunion included a game of touch football. The kids had a hard time trying to keep up with Grandpa.

Gene married his high school sweetheart Verla Colson in 1953. They were apart for a year while he was in stationed in Korea. When he left Korea, he was sent to Hawaii. Verla met his ship when it pulled into Honolulu, and they spent five months together in Hawaii. Later they went to the Alberta, Canada Temple of the LDS Church and were sealed for time and eternity.

After graduating from Central, Gene began his teaching/coaching career in White Swan and later Warden, Washington. He taught six years until they moved to Oak Harbor, Washington to run a drive-in restaurant. Many fun times were had at the drive-in with the family. Gene used the family business and other opportunities to teach his family how to work. In 1980 he moved back home to Cowiche, eventually working for the school district.

Gene had a strong testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ and was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served in many leadership positions. He loved serving and helping his fellowmen. He was always up for any work project and loved being involved with the youth.

Gene is survived by his wife, Verla Townsend of Cowiche, WA, sister, Sandy (Mike) Gill of Yakima, two brothers, Hugh Townsend and Harold (Shelby Jean) Townsend both of Roan Mountain, TN; sons, Lonny (Lori) Townsend of Anacortes, WA, Dan (Kim) Townsend of Tucson, AZ, Scott (Nancy) Townsend of Cowiche; daughters, Jana (Karl) Hendricks of Yakima, Karen (James) Jensen of West Jordan, UT; 18 grandchildren, Justin, Jenny, Geoff, Eric, Emily, Kristen, Jennifer, Danielle, Devin, Michael, Nathan, Kurtis, Kasey, Kelly, Jarin, Allison, Jason and Ashley and 18 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Rose Townsend, brother Roland Townsend and sisters, Jane Anderson, Vicki Tipton and June Huebner.

The family would like to thank Memorial Home Health and Hospice. Especially Mary who became a special friend while caring for Gene for three years. Also Jeanie for her loving nursing care. Thanks to the staff at The Cottage in the Meadow and Landmark Care Center.

Viewing will be held at the Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel on Friday, March 22, 2013 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning at the Naches LDS Church from 9:00 until 9:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held at the Naches Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 533 Naches Ave. Naches, WA on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Concluding services and burial will follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. To celebrate the life of Eugene and share a memory, visit www.keithandkeith.com.