Mrs. Carrie (Townsend) Paul ~ Osceola, Iowa
Decatur County Journal-Iowa
Thursday, July 3, l9l9
CLARENCE BURROWS TOWNSEND, son of ERNEST W. and MARTHA P. TOWNSEND, was born in Milo, Warren County, Iowa, October 28, l879, and passed from this life at his home in Decatur, Iowa, in the evening of June 27, l9l9, at the age of 39 years, 7 months and 29 days.
When a boy of 7 years, he moved with his parents from their former home in Warren County to Decatur, Iowa, which has been his home from the age of seven until he passed to the Great Beyond.On February 4th, l90l, he was united in marriage to EMILY J. CRESWELL, of Decatur, Iowa, who lives to mourn the loss of her companion and to cherish the memory of his thoughtful consideration and kind attention.In addition to his faithful wife, he leaves to mourn his early decease, his beloved mother, MRS. MARTHA P. TOWNSEND, of Decatur, Iowa; his two brothers, FRED A., of Leon, Iowa; and BRUCE, of Decatur, Iowa; and three sisters, MRS. BLANCHE ANDERSON, of Des Moines, Iowa; MRS. SARAH WALKER, of Decatur, Iowa; and MRS. CARRIE PAUL, of Osceola, Iowa.His father having passed from this life a short time since.
CLARENCE as he was familiarly called and known, was raised to manhood in Decatur and has always been a prominent figure in the social fraternal and business life of his community.His never failing courtesy and innate goodness of heart won and held for him a host of social friends and acquaintances.His sterling honesty and careful attention to business details in any and all financial affairs with which he was connected, was highly commendable and he proved himself worthy of any trust reposed in him.
He was prominent in Masonic circles and at different times had served his home lodge as presiding officer with credit to himself and honor to the fraternity.He was also a loyal member of the Leon Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and Tripolis Commandery Knights Templar of Leon, Iowa, Kaaba Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Davenport, Iowa.
Although he was not a member of any church, he was a firm believer in the Christian Faith and his close adherence to the principles of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man, were the most earnest indication of his sincerity and we confidently leave his future in the hands of the Almighty Father in the firm belief that all is well.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church, Decatur, Sunday afternoon, the sermon being delivered by the Pastor Rev. Kenton.The funeral was under the direction of the Masons and the beautiful Masonic ceremonies were held at the grave in the Decatur Cemetery where burial took place.
The bereaved ones have the sincere sympathy of our people in this sad hour.