Wayne Leonard Townsend of Cadillac passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at Samaritas Senior Living in Cadillac. He was 76. Wayne was born on September 2, 1947 in Gladwin, Michigan to John & Hazel (Trowbridge) Townsend and they preceded him in death.
As a young man his family moved to Gaylord where they lived for many years. Wayne graduated from Gaylord High school in 1965. In 1987 he moved to the Cadillac area and had been employed at VanDrie’s for 15 years. He drove the bus for the Cowell Cancer Service, helping transport patients from their homes to receive treatment and back. Wayne ended his career with Samartis of Manistee working at their Cadillac locations.
Wayne was a member of First Baptist Church in Cadillac and enjoyed hunting as well as target practice shooting and working in his yard.
In June of 1978 he married Judith “Judy” Ellis Smith and she survives him along with children: Tracy Townsend of Fort Worth, TX, Heidi (Danny) Lasher of Crystal River, FL, Jim Smith of Roscommon, Joseph (Maryann) Smith of Lake Leelanau, and Jacqueline Smith of Lansing; grandchildren: Justin, Autumn, Morgan, Jackie, Abbey, Grant, Evan, Crystal and Melanie and 8 great grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Jim (Juliet) Pressel. In addition to his parents Wayne was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Jensen. He will be sadly missed by many great friends.
Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, September 12, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Cadillac with Pastor Chad Zaucha officiating. Visitation with Wayne’s family will be from 10:00 AM until services at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.
Note: When visiting his obituary at Peterson Funeral Home's website, it initially lands on the "Tribute Wall" tab. To view the obituary, click on the "Obituary & Service" tab.
