Kenneth L. Townsend

TOWNSEND

KENNETH L. TOWNSEND Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Ken Townsend, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2023, with his family by his side. On his final day, he was with his family, who he adored more than anything else in the world. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Dianne, devoted daughter Tracy Townsend, loving daughter Laura Townsend Rhodes, son-in-law Kenneth Rhodes, and his cherished granddaughter and own ray of sunshine, Sally. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Patricia Townsend and sisters-in-law Maureen Mitchell and Bonnie Sutton. He was predeceased by his parents Cecil and Violette Townsend and granddaughter True Townsend Rhodes.



Born and raised in Watseka, Illinois, Ken enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball for his high school teams. He graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. Both in high school and college, he formed life-long friendships.



Ken spent 26 years in the U.S. Army Field Artillery, serving two tours in Vietnam and living with his family in Baumholder and Schwabisch Gmund, Germany, Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. He loved the U.S. Army and the people who serve. The family has been blessed since his passing in hearing from so many fellow soldiers and their families on the tremendous impact that he had on their lives.



After retiring, Ken and his family lived in the same home in Fairfax for over 40 years where there wasn't a neighbor he didn't know and enjoy.



Even though he traveled the world, his favorite place of all was Klinger Lake where he was blessed to spend the last 10 summers, delighting in the beauty of interacting with lakeside friends.



Ken's family will be receiving friends at a visitation Friday, April 14, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA. Military interment and services at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date.