John Ed Townsend

You would never know stars were there, if you looked for them in a sunlit sky. It’s only when darkness falls, that you realize…some things are always shining over us…just beyond our sight. 

John was born May 17, 1927 to William Percy Townsend and Mattie Rena (Thompson) Townsend in Huntsville, Alabama.

John was raised on his fathers farm while attending school, he eventually dropped out to serve his country at a young age. He served in the United States Air Force.

When it was time for his troupe to ship out he became ill with Rheumatic Fever. While in the hospital, he wrote to his mother daily, expressing sadness of not being able to go with them. These letters were later found after his mother died. He was awarded with an Honorable Discharge.

John married and moved to Nashville, TN. He returned to school and received his diploma from Nashville Christian Institute (NCI) Associated with the Church of Christ, and was baptized into Christ, Knowing at a young man's age he wanted to become a minister and servant of the Lord. He later attended Pepperdine University in Los Angles, CA. Dad moved his family to Los Angeles, CA in the early 1950's.

Dad was a firm believer of teaching God's Word straight from the Bible. He became the minister of West Adams Church of Christ, later ministering at Duarte Church of Christ, Barstow Church of Christ, Muscoy Church of Christ along with other congregations in the Inland Empire.

Bro. Townsend touched and motivated many lives through his radio broadcast at KUOR in Redlands, CA from 12am to 3am as "Gospel DJ" with gospel music and Bible Study.

Dad's Bible teachings was heard in Malawi Southern Africa and he was encouraged to come to their country in order for them to learn more about Christ and the Word, many were baptized from his teaching. He heeded to that call at the age of 77.

In the years of John's service to the Inland Empire Community he was a Mentor, Chaplain, Volunteer for Suicide Crisis Hot Line, and drove for LLVAH taking patients for appointments. He continued to do this until he was 90 years old when his drivers license expired.

Dad's hobbies included Horticulture, Photography, Bowling, Collecting Gospel Records and Tapes.

Dad loved his sister Beverly Jean, nieces and nephews, and friend Carol. He raised Velma Denise, Carolyn James, Vernall Dean, Twins Sarah and Andrew,  all of which he loved very much. "Paw Paw" loved his Grands, Vernall Jr., Gabriel, LaToya, along with his great grands, Kaeloni, Elijah and Nevaeh.

He also loved his Church Family, Magnolia-Highland Comm friends, Mrs. Aggie, and many others he met. Most of all he loved the Lord!!!

"Bro. John Is Not Gone, He Just Changed His Address!"