Thomas Wayne Townsend

Thomas (Tom) was born to Henry and Mabel (Scharff) Townsend April 7, 1925, in HarrisRR, Kansas (near Waverly, KS). Tom came to Oregon in 1937 from Holly, Coloradosettling in Myrtle Creek before moving to Lebanon in 1941. Tom was the youngest ofeight children, six boys and two girls. Tom grew up in the Lebanon area, graduating fromLebanon High School in 1943.Tom joined the U. S. Navy on August 16, 1943, in Albany, OR. He served as a SeamanFirst Class FCO on the USS Hart, part of the Com Tac Group 19th Fleet, TacomaWashington, PSC USNB Bremerton, Washington. He served in World War II and receivedthe Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal (7 Stars), World War II Victory Medal, and thePhilippine Liberation Medal (1 Star). Tom received a Honorable Discharge from the U. S.Navy on April 19, 1946, in PSC Bremerton, Washington.Tom met his future wife Irene Rose Royer, while on a blind date with her sister, Louella,and Tom’s brother, Orville. Tom and Irene were married in Vancouver, Washington byRev. Roy B. Parcel on May 24, 1946.Tom has four children, Larry, Diana, Randy, and Rickey; five grandchildren, Stoney, Micah (deceased), Kimberly, Jason, and Michelle; two great-grandchildren Mackenzie andMaisie; and one great-great grandchild Kai. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Ireneof 54 years whom passed in 2000 and his grandson Micah in 2005.Tom was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, preferring to be outside in thegreat outdoors and all it had to offer. His primary vocation was a logger although he hadalso worked for a short while as a Service Station Manager and Mill Worker. He built hisown home in the early 70’s, from the ground up and enjoyed living there with his wife of54 years.Tom was well loved and will be missed by all of his family and friends.A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lebanon American Legion on December 14, 2019,starting at 11:30. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an Alzheimer charity of your choiceor your favorite charity in support of our Veterans.
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