Jerry Townsend

Jerome E. "Jerry" Townsend, 60, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, June 18, 2011, at home with his family.

He was born in Marion, Ind., to Charles E. and Charlie L. Brown Townsend. He married Jimmie Bibbs on Dec. 5, 1975.

Jerry was a graduate of Marion High School, and a member of the 1967-to-1969 Marion Giants basketball team. He helped coach the Giants to a semi-state victory in 1998 and a state title in 2000. He assisted AAU basketball in Missouri, and was a board member of Boys and Girls Club in Cape Girardeau. He loved to play and watch golf.

He was previously director of parks and recreation with the city of Marion.

Survivors include his wife, Jimmie Townsend of Cape Girardeau; children, Deius L. and Alisha Townsend of Cape Girardeau, a son and daughter in Texas, a daughter in Ohio; his mother, Charlie L. Townsend of Marion; a grandchild, Maliyah Martin-Townsend of Cape Girardeau; and a sister, Sharon (Steve) Bowlds of Tulsa, Okla.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles E. Townsend.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, in Marion.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1204 W. 14th St., Marion, with the Rev. C.L. Adams officiating. Burial will be in Grant Memorial Park in Marion.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Fresenius Medical Dialysis Center, Joplin, Mo.

Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.