Wilbur Dean Townsend, 85, of Lake Havasu City, AZ and formerly of Kewanee, IL, died Friday October 18, 2013 at Havasu Regional Medical Center. Wilbur was born September 17, 1928 in Kewanee, IL, the son of Glenn F. and Marie M. (Andrew) Townsend. He graduated from LaFayette High School in 1946 and joined the Galva National Guard in 1947. He was activated with the 44th Division and discharged from active duty in 1953.
Wilbur married Eileen Lynd in Galva on January 28, 1951. She survives along with a daughter Sandra (Brian) Jackson of Lake Havasu City, AZ, a son Randy (Darla) Townsend of Zion, IL, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Wilbur was a claims representative with Country Mutual Insurance Co. for 30 years in Illinois before retiring in 1991. Wilbur and Eileen moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ in 1991 where Wilbur has been a long standing member of the London Bridge Health Club.
Wilbur and Eileen lived in Gurnee, IL for 25 years. He was President of the Grandwood Park District in Gurnee for 6 years, served 18 years as trustee on Warren Twp. Board in Gurnee where he was instrumental in starting the Youth Committee and 10 years as a reserve deputy sheriff for Lake County, IL.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday, October 28, 2013 at the Schueneman-Tumbleson Funeral Home, Kewanee, IL. Pastor Dan Craig will officiate. Burial will be in the Galva Cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the Galva Fusiliers. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association. Private online condolences may be left for the family at www.schuenemantumblesonfuneralhome.com .
Thoughts and condolences can be sent to Wilbur’s family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com
Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.