Donald Townsend

Donald Clayton Townsend, age 72, passed away June 6, 2013 at his home in Wickenburg, Arizona. Don was born and raised in Sheridan, Wyoming and attended schools there. He began working as an auto parts man for a brief time until his father purchased the Rainbow Bar in Sheridan, where Don began working as a bartender. Don and his brother Jerry purchased the bar from their father with Don eventually purchasing full interest in the bar. Don was a member of the Masonic Lodge as well as a Shriner. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and had served as past president of the Local Liquor Dealers Association as well as past president of the Wyoming State Liquor Dealers Association. Don was instrumental in organizing a youth scholarship fund through the Liquor Dealers Association as was also a member of the Elks Lodge and the Fraternal Oder of Eagles. He was also honored one year as Small Businessman of the Year in Sheridan. He was a avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, he owned horses and would often be found helping local ranchers in Sheridan just to relax and be outdoors. Don was preceded in death by his brother Gerald Townsend. He is survived by his wife Barbara Townsend of both Wickenburg and Sheridan, children: Donald Ray Townsend of Sheridan, Wyoming, Greg (Holly) Townsend of Sheridan, Bradford Jon (Dana) Townsend of Sheridan and step-daughter Vanessa Paredes of Sheridan. Brother Darrell Townsend of Sheridan and sister in law Karen Townsend of Sheridan and sister Barbara Mae Lilley of Sacramento, CA. Grandchildren: Kaycen, Taylor, Tyrell, Chali, Okley, Sera and Maddy. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Sheridan, Wyoming with a memorial service to follow in Wickenburg in the fall.