John Phillips Townsend (68) was called home to the Lord on Sunday, April 9, 2017 surrounded by loving family. John was born August 21, 1948 in Tulsa, OK. He spent his childhood in Texas and graduated from Odessa High School and later Texas Tech University with a Bachelor's in Business Management. Later, he moved across the country to settle in Pensacola, FL where he married Yvonne Townsend to raise a family and run his tool business. John, affectionately known as "Big John," was a very dedicated husband, loving father and grandfather, and was known by many for his kindness and positive attitude. John donated his time to various causes (often dressing up in full clown regalia to entertain sick children as part of the Hadji Temple Shriners). He also spent many years supporting the Booker T. Washington High School Band. He was active with the Krewe of Seville in Pensacola and was crowned Krewe King in 2011. John was an active member of Lakeview Baptist Church and supported several community based philanthropies within the Church community.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Art and Louise Townsend, and brother Thomas.
John is survived by his wife Yvonne; sons Phillip (Marina), Thomas (Erin); granddaughters, Sophia and Catherine; sister Carol Stahl; sisters-in-law Sondra Townsend and Kathy Nelson; brothers-in-law Billy Parker (Debbie) and George Parker (Shirley); and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful people at Fresenius Dialysis on 9 Mile Road, especially Maunica Williams, for all the amazing care that they have given John over the years.

The family wishes to thank the pallbearers for carrying John to his final resting place: Andy Waters, Bill Dunbar, Dan Harriott, Jack Wills, Jim Campbell, and Jim Hansen.

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