Charles "Bud" D. Townsend

Passed away in Petaluma on July 28, 2013 at the age of 90 years. Devoted husband of the late Bernice Townsend. Loving father of Tim Townsend (Kelly) of Cotati, Michael Townsend of Santa Rosa, Bruce Townsend (Lynne), and Benjamin Townsend (Debora) all of FL. Cherished grandfather of Shannon and Nicky Townsend of Eureka, Stefany and Chloe Townsend of Shalimar, FL, and Stuart Townsend of Rohnert Park. Dear uncle of Don Townsend (Alene) and Bob Townsend (Ruby) all of Napa. Born at home at 318 Browns Street, Napa, Bud was one of 8 children born to Maude (Dobbins) and Charles Townsend; both from Napa pioneer families. Bud was preceded in death by his siblings: Ralph "Buster" Townsend, Eileen Townsend, Ernie Townsend, Irene Townsend, Frank "Ping" Townsend, and June Townsend. Bud Townsend was a four-sport athlete at Napa High School, competing in football, basketball, baseball and track. He played on B football, basketball and track teams as a freshman and moved up to the varsity teams as a sophomore. He contributed to the success of track, baseball and basketball teams during his varsity career, but it was as a running back on the 1938, 1939 and 1940 football teams that Townsend really excelled. As a sophomore, he helped the 1938 team win an NBL title. In 1939, he was named the outstanding back on the team, and in 1940, he was Captain, outstanding back and All-North Bay League. In 1941 Townsend was awarded the All-American Blanket for outstanding leadership, scholarship and athletic ability. He was awarded a Blue Blanket for his fourth athletic letter. Townsend was offered two football scholarships after graduation and chose St. Mary's, where he was Captain and a standout halfback on the freshman team, and a running back on the varsity team as a sophomore, before joining the Air Force during World War II. In 1997 Bud was inducted into the Napa High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the first group of alumni recognized by this organization. Bud served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He flew 34 missions over Europe as a Bombardier/Navigator. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three clusters, and the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in 1945 after he was injured on a mission. Bud married Bernice Dehn in 1945 and together they raised four sons, moving from Napa to Salinas and Novato before finally settling in Rohnert Park. Bud worked for 32 years for Atlantic Richfield as a District Manager, and retired for the first time in 1980. He then worked for Rinehart Oil for another 4 years before "officially" retiring in 1984. Although retired he continued to work as a volunteer marshal at the FoxTail Golf Course in Rohnert Park for the last 21 years. Bud was active almost until the end; spending mornings with his friends at the Foxtail Golf Course and still occasionally golfing with his golf group "Loose Marbles." He leaves behind many friends and the family would like to thank Jack Purpose for his great friendship and help over the last years. As per his wishes a "Celebration of Life" was held at his 90th birthday party in February where Bud entertained many friends and family with stories of growing up in Napa, World War II, and the many adventures of raising four sons. He will be missed.