George N. Townsend, age 75 of Stockton, IL, passed on to Glory in the early morning hours on Sunday, August 17, 2014 after a short stay at FHN Memorial Hospital. George was one of the five generations of Townsends who have made Stockton their life long home. He was born September 20, 1938; the son of the late James and Verniel (Bohnsack) Townsend. He was a 1956 graduate of Stockton High School. George married Delia (Melvin) Townsend on September 22, 1957.

He had worked for JoDaviess Co. DHIA, Kraft Whey Plant and Lyon's Well Drilling, as well as several part-time jobs for area farmers. George and Delia founded and were the lead singers of the "Love N Care" Gospel Singers. The group traveled throughout the Tri-State area, ministering to nursing homes and small churches. George attended the Stockton Church of Nazarene and the Freeport Free Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Delia; daughter, Teri Liles of Stockton; sons, Rob (Tammy) of Columbia City, IN, Tom (Barb) of Kenosha, WI, and Chris (Patti Syring) of Silver Lake, WI; grandchildren, Nicky Avery (Jonathon), Jason Morton, Jeremy Townsend, Corey Townsend, Jesse Townsend, D.J. Polzin, Max Polzin, and Emily Syring; and brother, Gary Townsend.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert (Bob) and Eddie; and son-in-law, Alvin Liles.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 22, 2014 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. The funeral service will be Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 10:00 AM, also at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Townsend Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.