Obituary of Townsend, Gene Stanley

Gene Stanley Townsend, 90, died Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in McKinney, Texas. Gene was born June 9, 1929, in Forest Chapel, Lamar County, and soon moved with his family to Direct, Texas, where he lived until 2015.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Ruth Smith Townsend; his parents, J.F. and Bertie Townsend; and two brothers, Byron Townsend and Allen Townsend. Gene worked for 30 years at Uarco, in Paris, while operating his cattle ranch. Upon retirement he and Ruth began a new adventure as Sojourners, joining with other retired Christians who travel throughout the United States assisting churches and Christian camps and colleges.  These were some of their happiest years, and they shared many memories of their friends and travels.  Gene also served as a co-director of the Sojourners and was instrumental in purchasing and maintaining the Sojourner property, Camp Bee, in Marshall, Texas. He was an active member at Direct Church of Christ for many years, and later the College Church of Christ in Paris. He is survived by his loving daughters, Sheila Dean and husband Steven, and Pamela Barr and husband Jim; four grandchildren, Kevin Barr, Brian Barr and wife Ashley, Alex Dean and wife Jasmin, and Ellen Dean Feste and husband Blake; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rebecca Stephens and Janette Fain and one brother, Sidney Townsend, as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Grand Brook Memory Care in McKinney and Anchor of Hope Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they provided. A memorial service is being planned and the date will be announced in a few weeks. Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.