Obituary: Sr. Master Sgt. Franklin "Frank" Townsend

Sr. Master Sergeant Franklin “Frank” Townsend died peacefully at his home, surrounded by friends and family, on Jan. 26, 2017, in Apopka, Florida, at the age of 83, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

Frank is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ann; sons John, Charles, Robert and Carl; brother, Tom of Atlanta, Georgia; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Susie and P.C. Townsend; siblings Gene, Betty, Kathleen, Maxine and Annie; granddaughter, Bobi Sue; and daughter, Susan Gayle Murray.

Frank was born on Dec. 24, 1933, in Jasper, Alabama. He retired from the Air Force after serving 25 years and married Ann upon his return from Korea in 1953. Frank began work and eventually retired from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer.

During this time, the couple welcomed five children into their home, who remember him as an honorable and fair father who encouraged them to do what was right. Frank was an accomplished airplane and automobile mechanic. He was a dedicated individual who loved boating and was passionate about fishing. He was an active and dedicated lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4305. 

A funeral was held on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, in Gotha, Florida. Chaplain Joe Williams officiated. Donations may be made in Frank’s name to Hospice of the Comforter, and the family would like to thank caretakers Barb and Sammy for their care and dedication to keep Frank comfortable at home during his final days.