Larry Dee Townsend

Larry Dee Townsend, Age 87 (21) Of West Lebanon, IN, passed peacefully in the presence of his Surviving wife, Betty F. Townsend (Finney) and family and friends on July 9, 2023. Per the family's wishes, services will be held as previously scheduled. Visitation will be held at Grady Funeral Home in Williamsport on Sunday, July 16, 2023 from 1:30 p.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor David Cheatwood officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Lord's Harvest International, 2020 Avalon Parkway, Suite 400, McDonough, GA 30253. Being born on Leap Day in 1936, marked Larry forever as a unique individual. He reached his 21st birthday three years ago and it was said he could finally have a drink legally. He never had a drop. He could not say no to ice cream however. Any flavor, any time. Larry was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ to the late Robert and Elizabeth Townsend. His father died when Larry was very young and he became the head of the family. He has been preceded in death by siblings Kay Little and Carol Hull. His Surviving siblings Lynn Townsend (Bernice) and “Uncle” David Hall (Betty) remained close even though they physically were spread across the US. This importance in family was not only for his siblings. Dad also deemed himself so fortunate to have four children that remained physically close in Indiana and close in relationship. Nancy McClure Jim Townsend (Rita) Lisa Greenwood (Gary) Beth Wadsworth (David) Grandchildren: Casey Greenwood, Carter McClure (Alyssa), Raina Townsend (Matt), Kira Wehlerman (Jared) Kyla Townsend, Emma Wadsworth, Andy Wadsworth Great grandchildren: Lucy Greenwood-Hampton and Ensley McClure Ol’ Lar had many careers. He sold day old donuts and Herald Life Insurance. He managed Larry’s 66 in West Lebanon for many years, bringing home strangers for Betty to house and feed when their cars couldn’t make it out of town. He delivered the Journal Courier for many years. It hardly ever arrived on time, but the widows along his way would have their driveways shoveled and chores done. He was never a rich man by any financial means, but his generosity of spirit could always find someone in need to help. He was a Surgery orderly and housekeeper at St Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette for over 20 years. He would not ever check his job at the door. You could always find him emptying the trash and tidying up, broom in hand. His life career was ministry to others. The jobs kept food on the table and cheap ice cream in the freezer, but the lives he helped along the highways of life are innumerable. His one regret in life was officially leaving the ministry of his church of origin, but those who knew him knew he never really did. His family enjoyed years of his sermons long past his days at the pulpit and they can assure you that lives were made richer when he dedicated his life to the service of 1`others and not from the front of the church. Larry loved all card games, from Euchre to Spoons, as well as Dominoes. He enjoyed tennis, fishing, walking and tending to his Knockout Roses and Blue Spruce. After a stroke last year, he rebounded with a dedication that is rare among men. In his last days, he continued his exercises and even enjoyed some virtual fishing. He was “Blessed and Grateful” to the very end. Larry loved Jesus with all his heart, soul and mind. He attended Oregon Bible College, but was forever a student of the Bible. His favorite verse was “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 He never faltered from this path. He faithfully attended Hedrick Church of God, Abrahamic Faith for his entire adult life and enjoyed online churches from Muncie, IN and Phoenix AZ. His Apple Watch that was purchased to notify family if he fell, was mainly used to alarm 4 different times on Sunday for all the online church services and his 3:00 pm Gabapentin. “The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.” Robert Louis Stevenson In memory of Larry, have a huge bowl of ice cream and leave the last bite for him. He wouldn’t waste a drop and neither should you.