Joe Allen Townsend was born December 26, 1945 in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma to Ira Allen Townsend and Dorothy Pearline (Green).  He passed away May 15, 2016 in Oklahoma City at the age of 70.

Joe served his country proudly in the United States Army National Guard having retired after 42 years of service.  He was the first, only, and last CW5 in the 700th Support Battalion.  He was a gun enthusiast and enjoyed shooting all types of guns.  Joe enjoyed fishing, baking, gardening, and canning jam.  He was a member of the Successful Word Church in Warwick.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Dorothy.  Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Maxine Ray (Feary) Townsend of the home; children, Tracy Townsend and his wife Candace of Owasso, Bryan Townsend and his wife Julie of Virginia Beach, Christine and her husband Lee Messick of Oklahoma City; (6) grandchildren, Kyle, Sarah, Spencer, June, Jessica, Jordan; (1) great-grandchild, Jaxson; brothers, Bobbie Townsend, twin brother Jerry Townsend; and other family and friends.

A funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2016 at the Successful Word Church with interment following at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.  Arrangements are under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.