Jack H. Townsend

Jack H. Townsend, 74 of Marshall passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family. Jack was born on June 15, 1937, in Adrian, MI to Wayne S. and Martha (Hicks) Townsend. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1956 and attended Western Michigan University. On July 19, 1959, he married Alice A. Clute at the Marshall Baptist Church and they shared 52 years of marriage together. In 1969, Jack started Michigan Kitchen Distributors, which is still run by his sons, Jack and Steve. He was one of the original founders of the National Bank of Marshall, which is now known as Chemical Bank where he served on the board for 37 years and was later declared as the Chairman. Jack was very involved in the Marshall Community. He was on the Board of Directors for the Marshall Community Foundation and he was one of the founders of the Marshall Manufacturers Association where he also held the position of board president. Jack was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Marshall where he served on several committees such as finance, the building committee and the Acorn Society Endowment Fund. Jack served as Oaklawn Hospital's Chairman of the Board of Directors as well as many other board positions. Jack's undying dedication to Oaklawn Hospital allowed him to spearhead initiatives such as private rooms, the dialysis center, the most updated mammography equipment. Jack's overall passion was spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed his condo in Florida at the Saddlebrook Resort where he often challenged his friends and family to a great game of golf. The cottage at Higgins Lake was another favorite spot where he spent a lot of time boating, fishing, golfing and catching minnows with his grandchildren. Most of all, he was an avid hunter and enjoyed going to the Upper Peninsula with is family to his cabin, "Back of the Moon." Jack's talent and interest in cooking outdid us all. His subtle sense of humor would keep us all guessing! There was always a game at hand. He is survived by his wife, Alice; daughter Cindy (Terry) Lake; two sons, Jack (Susan) Townsend and Steve (Kathie) Townsend; all of Marshall. His grandchildren also survive him: Andy (Tamar) Lake, Jenna Lake, Jack Townsend, II, Emily Townsend, Bradley Townsend, Mary Townsend, Sara Townsend, Grace Townsend, and Ryan Townsend. His parents preceded him in death. Visitation will take place at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Sunday from 1-7 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 1-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The Memorial Service celebrating his life will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, February 20, 2012 with Reverend Len Schoenherr officiating. Both visitation and funeral will be held at Craig K. Kempt Funeral Home located at 723 Old U.S. 27 in Marshall. Memorial contributions can be made to Oaklawn Hospital or the United Methodist Church of Marshall. Assistance with memorials is available through the the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home and Cremation Services.