Loren E. Townsend

Feb. 14, 1920-Aug. 5, 2011

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Loren E. Townsend, 91, died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2011, at Community Hospital of McCook, Nebraska.

He was born Feb. 14, 1920, at a farm southeast of Smith Center, Kansas, the third son of Harry H. and Grace (Goble) Townsend. He began his education in Smith Center then moved to Kensington, Kansas, graduating in 1938. He attended Kansas Wesleyan University until the start of World War II.

On March 27, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Corp, completing his training at Luke Field in Arizona on Feb. 4, 1943. After receiving his wings and commission, he completed multiple engine aircraft trainings along with instrumental flying instructions with American and Northwest Airlines. His orders then took him to the Assam Valley in India where he flew the Himalaya Mountains "The Hump" into China. He completed 103 missions earning two distinguished flying crosses, two air medals, a presidential unit citation and the Chinese Defense medal.

He was married to Gwendolyn I. Coil of Salina, Kansas, the same day he received his commission, Feb. 4, 1943. To this marriage three children were born, Gary, Dennis, and Lauren.

On Dec. 3, 1945, he received his discharge from the service and enrolled in the University of Denver business school graduating with a degree in accounting.

He worked for Farmland Industries auditing area co-ops until retiring in 1984.

He was a member of the Methodist Church since June of 1939, the McCook Lions Club, McCook VFW, American Legion, BPOE Elks, and the Hump Pilots Association as well as an avid golfer.

Preceding him in death are his wife, Gwendolyn; his mother and father; son, Dennis; and brothers, Wilbur, Dean and Gerald.

He is survived by his son, Gary and wife, Courtney Townsend of McKinney, Texas; daughter, Laurie and husband, Don Riggs of Houston, Texas; daughter-in-law, Joan Townsend of Rapid City, South Dakota; four grandchildren, Mathew Riggs of Gilbert, Arizona, Tamala Sigrist of Arlington, Texas, Melissa Allen of Spring, Texas, and Jason Townsend of Rapid City, South Dakota; five great-grandchildren; along with two sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and many friends.

Friends may go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

Memorial services are Wednesday, 2 p.m., at the Carpenter-Breland Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Lance Clay officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to be sent to the American Diabetes Association, the USO, or the VFW.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.