Lynn Robert Townsend

TOWNSEND, Lynn Robert Of Ft. Myers, FL
Formerly of Vicksburg Lynn passed away on September 2, 2007 at the Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo. Lynn was born October 28, 1937 in Kalamazoo Michigan. He was a graduate of Vicksburg High School and Western Michigan University. Lynn worked as a licensed professional engineer and worked for Cummins Engine Company, Miles Laboratories, John Deere, Indiana University, and The Upjohn Company. Following retirement from the Upjohn Company in 1992 as director of Utilities and Engineering Lynn did consulting work for several entities within the United States. Lynn enjoyed gun collecting, history, researching WWII, traveling, and watching his grandchildren?s sporting activities. Those close to Lynn recognized him as a consummate professional and also enjoyed his sense of humor and tendency to play practical jokes on those he loved and respected. He was proudest that all his children graduated from college and his grandchildren are or will be attending college. On December 27, 1957, Lynn was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Martens in Fulton, who survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Mark Laura Townsend, Catherine Rick Flaherty, and Sheryl Bryan Babel; 7 grandchildren: Mitchell, Whitney, and Morgan Townsend, Bryan Jr., Matthew, and Patrick Babel, Kelly Flaherty Lopez; great-grandchild Chase Lopez; his brother, Wayne Barbara Townsend; 1 nephew John Townsend; and 1 niece, Jill Townsend Palmer. Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, Trayton and Lillian Townsend. Funeral services for Lynn will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave., with Rev. James Dyke officiating. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Friday at the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.