Judson Townley

Judson Townley, age 85, passed away February 10th, of natural causes. He was born in Topeka Kansas, the son of Wayne and Annie Nelson Townley. Jud grew up in Topeka, working at his father's drugstore, and graduating from Topeka High School. He went on to KU at Lawrence and then trained as a Navy pilot just before the end of WWII. He and Barbara Wardin were married in 1944, while he was stationed in Texas. Jud went on to graduate from Union Theological Seminary in New York City and become a minister for the remainder of his working life. He and Barbara mostly raised their family during 18 years in Chesterland Ohio, where he presided over the Congregational Church of Chesterland. He followed a path to other ministries in Warren, Michigan; Circle, Montana; Omaha, Nebraska and Murray, Nebraska. He and Barbara retired back to Topeka in 1988, where they joined the Unitarian Fellowship. Jud continued to pursue the political and social causes that characterized his life's work. Jud was preceded in death by his wife Barbara and his sister Libby Burtis. He is survived by his sister Isabel Voss in San Diego, California; his daughter Peggy Townley of Eastern Washington; son, Paul Townley of Mansfield, Ohio; sons, Bruce and Dave Townley of Portland, Oregon and three grandchildren, Ian Townley, New Orleans, Kya Townley Hanson, Spokane, Washington and Ella Townley Kerner Johnson, Spokane, Washington. Memorial contributions can be made to the UU Building fund or the Brewster Place Foundation. A memorial gathering for Jud Townley will be held at the Fink Living Room of the Brewster Health Center 3PM Thursday February 12th.