Vernon Kyle Townsend, age 88, of Crossett, AR passed away on September 23, 2016 at Ashley County Medical Center.  He was born on February 29, 1928 in Crossett, AR to his parents, Vernon Lee and Reba Reeves Culbertson Townsend.  Mr. Townsend had worked at Mississippi River Fuel for many years and then worked and retired from Georgia Pacific Tissue Mill in Maintenance.  He was in the US Navy, having served on the USS Wayne in the Philippines.  He loved music and enjoyed playing his guitar with the band.  He also liked to travel to Mexico and spoke fluent Spanish.  Mr. Townsend was a member of the First Church of God.  Mr. Townsend was preceded in death by two daughters, Marcia Townsend and Robin Shaw.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Norma Jean Townsend of Crossett, AR; children,  Jimmie Ann Hendrix (Jim) of Camden, AR, Susan Renee Pope (Mark) of Crossett, AR, Jean Floyd (Kenny)of Elliott, AR, Sheila Hall (Larry) of Mer Rouge, LA, Ronnie Ray, Patrick Ray (Betty), all of Crossett, AR; one sister, Ida Ann Matysiak (Bill) of Houston, TX; thirteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at First Church of God with Bro. Randy Ivy officiating.  Interment will follow at Unity Cemetery under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, AR.  (www.jonesservice.com)

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.