Kenneth A. Townsend

Kenneth “Ken” A. Townsend, 77, of Creole, LA died Monday, February 1, 2016 at Harbor Hospice in Lake Charles.

Ken was born in DeKalb, MS where he was known as “Tony” and graduated from high school in 1956. After two years of junior college, he joined the MS National Guard. As a Sgt. E-6, he joined the Medical Service Corp and also attended Army Rotary Wing Helicopter School and graduated as a MASH officer. He later went to work for PHI, working in Cameron, Lafayette, Leesville, New Orleans, Galveston, and Houston and also in Bolivia and Saudi Arabia. Ken retired after 35 years with PHI being a Gulf Pilot all the way up to General Manager.

He was an avid musician and he and Theresa would play for many occasions, but especially enjoyed the volunteer work playing dances for “Special People” each month in LaMarque, TX where they made their home. In 2013 they moved to Louisiana to be closer to Theresa’s family.

He was a life member of Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, Knights of Columbus, NRA and a member of American Petroleum Institute, The Helicopter Association International, National Business Aircraft Association and the National Geographic Association. Ken was very political and sometimes called Washington DC three times a week.

Ken is survived by his wife, Theresa Dimas; two God children, Jacob Dimas and Tyler Fitzhenry; his daughter, Penny Walker; grandchildren, Casey Torres and John Johnson; a great grandson, Lyric Torres; and a sister Mary Jane Nelson (Jerry). He also leaves behind eighteen nieces and nephews; thirty six grand nieces and nephews; and one great grand niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Polly and Henry Townsend.

A funeral mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Creole. The Rev. Herbert May will officiate. Burial will follow in the family cemetery, St. Anthony’s Cemetery also in Creole under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being recited at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue on Thursday from 9:00 AM until leaving for the church at 1:00 PM.

Those serving as pallbearers will be his brothers, Jean, Jerome, Gary, Joey, and David Dimas and Mark Fitzhenry. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews, Jacob, BJ, Daniel, Jonathan, and Christopher Dimas, Tyler Fitzhenry, Chad Thornton, and Corey Doucet.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 5250 W. Creole Hwy, Creole, LA 70632 or to a church of one’s choice.