Joe A. Townsend, age 62 of Elwood, died Saturday, July 12, 2014 at St. Vincent hospital in Indianapolis after an extended illness. He was born May 25, 1952 in Elwood, the son of Robert L. and Genevieve L. (Dowler) Townsend. He was a Truck Driver for Townsend Corporation, his family's business, for more than 43 years and retired in June. He was a 1970 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High school and served his country in the United States Air Force. Joe was a member of the American Legion, and enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing golf, and traveling. He loved spending time with family, especially his grandsons, whom he adored.

His family includes 2 sons, Joseph A. (Michelle) Townsend of Mount Lake Terrace, WA and Scott (Natasha) Townsend of Elwood; 6 siblings, Nettie Baldwin of Elwood, Ted (Shirley) Townsend of Cicero, Shirley (Caldon) Murphy of North Vernon, Adrienne (Bob) Tishner, Julie (Gary) Miller of Alexandria; and George (Fran) Townsend of Middletown, TN; sister-in-law, Judy Townsend of Elwood; 2 grandsons, Tyler Townsend and Lucas Townsend; former wife, Rebecca Stafford; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Robert G. Townsend and Donald E. Townsend.

A celebration of his life will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home with Rev. Roger Gardner of East Main Street Christian Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery with Military honors by the U.S. Military and the American Legion Honor Guards. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 – 7 PM Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children's Hospital through the funeral home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.