Fred Newton Townsley was born December 11, 1934 to Willis & Zella Bowman Townsley in a small house in Davenport, OK. His 2 older sisters raced home after school to meet new baby brother—born on sister Alice’s 7th birthday (Twins with delayed birth). Fred departed this life Thursday, January 13, 2022, in Chandler, OK from complications related to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. He was 87 years of age.
Fred is survived by his wife Ethel Townsley of the home; sister Peggie Totten of Prague; his children Michelle, Stephen & Brad Townsley—all of California; his bonus family Debbie & Ed Dooley, Rick (Hoppy) & Michelle Hopkins; Grandchildren: Tracy Martin (Rob), Jamie Wilson (Justin), Amanda Tutt, Erin Newton, & Natalie Newton; 7 Great-Grands: Kaden, Kynsli, Gage, Shelby, Jaxon, Raelynn & Everlee; and a host of nieces & nephews and other relatives and friends.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents Willis & Zella Townsley, sisters Alice Rollins, Willa Jean Hogan & Barbara Ann Fears.
Fred was a proud Marine who served his country for 20 years. He served in the Korean Conflict and 2 tours to Vietnam. He moved his family around the United States and instilled in his 3 children a love of travel and nature. After retiring from the USMC, he worked for CCC in Heber, AZ. He then moved to be near his parents in California and worked as a machinist for Vetco until the death of his first wife in 1983.
Fred married Dona Jean Rairdon in April of 1961. After her death in 1983, Fred moved again to be near his parents in Oklahoma where he met and married the second love of his life, Ethel Hopkins, on November 11, 1988. Back in Oklahoma Fred volunteered for awhile by delivering senior meals for Project Heart. Fred enjoyed being a Ham Radio Operator, researching genealogy, tinkering with computers, traveling again around the country with his wife—all of which he and Ethel did together until his illness became a hindrance. He really enjoyed getting to spend time with his grandkids and great-grandkids.
Fred’s life motto was Semper Fi – Once a Marine, Always a Marine. When things were rough, he put a determined smile on his face and went about getting things done. This was especially notable when Fred & Ethel’s home burned in January 2019.
A celebration of life for Fred is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18 at 2:00 PM at Lehman Funeral Home, Wellston, OK. Burial to follow at Star Valley Cemetery, Chandler, OK. The family asks that donations be sent to the Marine Corps Heritage Museum, Quantico, VA, in lieu of flowers.
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