Marion Harold Townsend was born on December 21, 1926, to Maurice and Quessie (Noble) Townsend in Arcadia, Florida. He passed away peacefully on October 17, 2022, at Suncoast Hospice in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Marion grew up in Arcadia and attended Desoto County High School graduating in 1944. He joined the US Navy and served in the Medical Corp. After his service in the Navy, he returned to Arcadia and accepted a position with G. Pierce Wood Memorial State Hospital. Marion continued his career advancement at G.P.W. and retired after 42 years in the position of Director of Personnel.

Marion married LaVerne Whitsel of Arcadia in June of 1952 celebrating their 70 ^th Wedding Anniversary this year. Marion and LaVerne had four sons. Winston Gregory Townsend, Mark A. Townsend, Matthew E. Townsend and Philip H. (Rain) Townsend. Marion has three grandchildren. Matthew Townsend, Jr, Allison Townsend and Dalton Townsend and one great grandchild. He was a devoted husband and father. Marion was a role model and inspiration for his sons from their childhood continuing throughout their adult lives.

Marion was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Arcadia and served as a Deacon. He was active in church functions and events and stressed the involvement of his son's participation with the church's services and activities.

Marion served a term as President of the Arcadia Kiwanis Service Club facilitating various service events and fund raisers to help the citizens of DeSoto County and the region.

Antique collecting was a passionate hobby that turned into a post retirement business for Marion and LaVerne. Townsend Antiques located downtown Arcadia was the first Antique Shop opened in town featuring every collectible type from high end items to country primitive collectibles. Marion not only pioneered the Antique "Row" that developed on Oak Street he and LaVerne coached many of the new Antique Dealers that followed.

Marion was preceded in death by his parents and sons Winston Gregory Townsend and Matthew Earl Townsend. He is survived by his wife of 70 years LaVerne, sons Mark Townsend (Tampa) and Philip [Rain] Townsend (Tampa), three grandchildren and a great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 20 North Orange Ave Arcadia, FL 34266 www.firstpc.church p: 863-494-4434

There will be a visitation at Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home at 50 N. Hillsborough Ave Arcadia Florida on Saturday October 29, 2022, from 11:30am-12:30pm to be followed by a 1:00pm graveside service at the Townsend Family site - Arcadia Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at: www.pongerkaysgrady.com

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes Arcadia has been entrusted with the arrangements.