Charles Marion Townsend, 91, of 56 E. Jefferson Street, Peru, Indiana, died at 12:28 am on August 18, 1967 at Dukes Hospital in Peru, Indiana of complications from an illness of four weeks. He died of artery sclerosis diagnosed 2 years prior to his death and Berger's disease (chronic kidney disease).

He was born October 20, 1875 in Erie, Cass County, Indiana, the son of Charles F. Townsend and Verenda Melissa "Sarah" (Winfield) Townsend. The retired machinist from Lucas Repair Shop had lived most of his life in Peru, Indiana. He had 9 Siblings: Minnie B. Townsend, Lumsden Townsend, Edgar Walter Townsend, Otis E. Townsend, Elsie Margaret Townsend, Bertha Isabella Townsend, Hazel M. Townsend, Blanch Townsend, and John Townsend.

He was married to Rosetta Chambers in 1889, and she died in 1961. Surviving are his children, Harry Townsend of California; Mrs Mabel Bell of Springfield, Missouri; Mrs. Lola Banks, Peru; Mrs. Mrs. Linai Copeland, Peru; James Townsend, Peru; Arthur Townsend, Peru; Mrs. Glen Sutton, Amboy, and Darrell Townsend, Peru. He was preceded in his death by son William D. Townsend who is buried at the Mount Hope Cemetery.

Also surviving are 38 grandchildren including John Townsend whom he and his wife raised; and 60 great grandchildren.

Services will be at 1:30 pm Monday at the Drake-Flowers Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Shrock Cemetery.

Patrick Townsend writes: My cousin actually has his copper water Kettle he used in the woods where his family lived basically in a shack until they built their house. I asked him to write the story out for me so I will share that when I get it. Also speaking of Charles Marion, my great aunt, Judy Sutton told me that Charles Marion's hobby to a degree was fixing guns. When he died all of his guns went to a friend and some of those to this day reside in the Miami County Museum. They apparently were donated after his friend passed. I haven't seen them nor officially checked into this. This was just a story from my aunt which was his granddaughter.