Mr. Henry Len Townsend was born July 23, 1928, in Greensboro, Alabama (Hale County). He was an only child. He attended the public schools of Alabama. At an early age 19 years of age, Henry came to Columbus, Ohio in the 1940’s. He entered the workforce at an early age to support his family.
He was united in holy matrimony to Joanne Payne-Townsend, on February 23, 1964. This union was blessed with four children.
Mr. Henry Townsend loves gardening, playing pool, reading books, riding his bike and working on cars as a hobby. Retired from “General Motors Aero-Space” of 23 years in 1991. Retired from a second job, “America’s Auto Auction Columbus Fair” of 20 years, in 2020.
He quietly departed this life on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Mt. Carmel Hospital East in Columbus, Ohio. Preceded in death, grandmother, Eva O’Hare-Greene; mother, Silvia (Edmond) Williams; father, Houston Townsend; aunts, Carrie (Greene) (John K.) Campbell, Florence (Parker) (Elder James) Toland; uncle, Otto (Lydia) Greene of Shubuta, MS; special cousin, James Davis.
Survived by his children; former spouse, Louise Marzett (blessed with five children together); daughters, Gypsy Rosa Lee Townsend (Cynthia, Lala, Adrien and Dezjuan), Dorothy Townsend, sons: Donald Townsend, Jerry (Darlene) Townsend, Henry Townsend Jr.; current spouse, Joanne Townsend of 60 years (four children); sons, Joseph (Sandra) Townsend with former wife (Luckisha) Joseph and Isaac, Clifton Townsend (Xavaier, Oshey & Josuha); daughters, Lelia Townsend, Silvia Townsend (Raven Williams and My’chal Williams); special grandson, Keith Townsend, a total of eighteen grandchildren, special great grandson, Brandon M. Tyler and host of great grandchildren; special cousins, Faye (Larry) Pointer, JoAnne Smith along with a host of cousins and friends.
Visitation 1:00 PM and Funeral Service 2:00 PM Friday, April 5, 2024 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd).
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Condolences to the family
Prayers to my Bestie/ Sis Silvia Townsend, Daughters, and the entire family .. Your father was a kind gentleman.. May he rest in the eyes of God now it was truly a pleasure dropping off Cakes To your parents…. And I’m definitely honored To make a cake for your fathers repass and for the family to enjoy.. God blessed me with this gift and I enjoy sharing it.
Prayers for you and the family during this time.
Heartfelt condolences to the family.