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Dewain William Townsend

Date of Death: May 16, 2010

Former Texas resident Dewain William Townsend, 56, crossed over peacefully in the arms of his wife at their home in Front Royal, Virginia. He fought a gallant fight with lung cancer until God carried him home on the morning of Sunday, May 16th, 2010.

Born in San Rafael, California on August 1, 1953, Dewain lived most of his life in Dallas, Texas until coming to Virginia. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Front Royal, Virginia. He worked as a commercial concrete mason journeyman and trowel machine operator for many years in Dallas, Texas, California, and the DC area. He was recognized for his heroism in saving the lives of a drowning couple in California & was bill-boarded in Las Vegas, Nevada for his excellence as a concrete mason.

Remembered for his wonderful sense of humor he was known as the “entertainer” of the family. He had a love for blues and was an avid harmonica player. His disarmingly friendly & witty nature drew to him legions of friends and a family who thought him very endearing. He was content and happy as to how his life turned out.

Dewain leaves behind his wife and best friend, Vicki Painter-Townsend and his mother, Effie Pickell of Texas; children, Caty Townsend of Oklahoma and Kris Townsend of Texas; step-son, Justin Painter of Virginia; three sisters, Kathy Townsend, Vickie Forman and Glenda Ziegenfuss, all of Texas; two brothers, Glen Ziegenfuss, Jr. of West Virginia and Michael Townsend of Texas; step-brother, Mike Story of Texas; two step-sisters, Kathy Knecht and Vickie Cox of Texas; step-mother, Mary Ellen Townsend of Texas; step-father, Glen Ziegenfuss, Sr. of Oklahoma; and four granddaughters who adored him. His father, William Townsend; step-son, Benjamin Painter; brother, Deanie Townsend; and a sister, Linda Townsend, all preceded him in death.

Our family invites you to share with us in the celebration of his life at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel in Winchester, Virginia on Wednesday, May 18th at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Dr. R. Mark Jordon officiating. Interment will be in Shenandoah Memorial Park. A reception will be held at First Baptist Church, Front Royal, following the service.

Pallbearers will be: James T. Hackney, Justin Painter, Larry Hackney, Glen Ziegenfuss, Jr., Dustin Ziegenfuss, and Keith Donald.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jerry Horton, Ian Hackney, and Andrew Fleming.

Our family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel.

The family asked that all donations be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, Virginia 22601 – for their kindness, support and extraordinary outpouring of compassion. Their endless efforts of donating their time and willingness to go above and beyond is more than anything our family could imagine.

Please view obituaries, tribute wall, and guestbook at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.

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Former Texas resident Dewain William Townsend, 56, crossed over peacefully in the arms of his wife at their home in Front Royal, Virginia. He fought a gallant fight with lung cancer until God carried him home on the morning of Sunday, May 16th, 2010. Born in San Rafael, California on August 1, 1953, Dewain livedContinue Reading

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Heather Fryer left a message on May 18, 2010:
In honor of Dewain William Townsend, Heather Fryer lit a candle.
Vickie Foreman left a message on June 17, 2010:
Vicki this is from a card I recieved that comforted me, so I thought I would share it. "A note from heaven" If I could write from heaven, this is what I'd say, Please don't miss me too much, I'm with you throughout the day. You may not see or hear me, but if you're quiet and still, You may just feel my presence; because, in Heaven, there is free will. Don't worry for the day, it will come and go as planned, Enjoy each moment you arel given, keep worry from your hand. Keep sorrow to a minimum; For if heaven you could see, You'd know I'm safe and happy, I did not cease to be. Moments in time are brief, until we'll be together again, as Eternity lasts forever, our lives, they have no end! I love you Vick, love Vick <3
vickie foreman left a message on June 16, 2010:
THAT WAS MY BROTHER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE ONE WHO ALWAYS MADE ME LAUGH,THE ONE WHO ALWAYS CHEERED ME UP, NO MATTER HOW HE FELT!!!EVEN THROUGH THE LOSS OF OUR SON"REECE" FOREMAN WHO PASSED 3236 ,20 DAYS AFTER VICKIS SON "BEN."AND THEN THROUGH THE LOSS OF OUR BIGGEST SISTER "LINDA SMITH",ON 11146,WHO HURT HIM DEEPLY!!!! AND NOW THROUGH HIS OWN PASSING,ON 51510,HE IS STILL CHEERING ME UP!!! BECAUSE HE IS LAUGHING!!! HE IS "FREE" AND HE TELLS ME, I CANT WAIT FOR ALL OF YOU TO GET HERE!!!!!!!!! VICKI HOLD ON,IT WILL BE "JUST A LITTLE WHILE" AND WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER IN "HEAVEN" TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU ALWAYS & FOREVER VICKIE LYNN
Jaimie Whatley left a message on June 15, 2010:
THAT WAS MY BIG BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!THE ONE WHO COULD ALWAYS CHEER ME UP,THROUGH EVERYTHING!!!EVEN WHEN WE LOST OUR SON "REECE" FOREMAN IN 3236.AND THEN WHEN WE LOST OUR SISTER LINDA SMITH A FEW MONTHS LATER.AND YOU KNOW WHAT HES STILL CHEERING ME UP THROUGH HIS DEATH,BECAUSE HES LAUGHING,LIKE HES SAYING "IM FREE" CANT WAIT FOR ALL OF YOU TO GET HERE!!!VICKI HOLD ON IT WILL BE JUST A LITTLE WHILE AND WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!IN HEAVEN.
Brittney Walston left a message on May 22, 2010:
This was on Nonny's memorial... Don't grieve for me, for now i'm free. I'm following the path god laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my head and left it all. My life's been full, I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now- He set me free. We all Love and Miss Uncle Dewayne very much!! Love Brittney
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Tim Hackney left a message on May 19, 2010:
In honor of Dewain William Townsend, Tim Hackney lit a candle.
Krista Hale left a message on May 19, 2010:
This poem is for my uncle Wayne, Nonnie and all others we have loved and lost along the way I Thought Of Your With Love Today But That is Nothing New. Thought About You Yesterday And Days Before That Too.. I Think of You In Silence I often Speak Your Name. All I Have Are Memories And A Picture in a Frame.. Your Memory Is A Keepsake With Which I’ll Never Part. God Has You In His Keeping. I Have You In My Heart. We Will Always Love and Miss You Uncle Wayne and Nonnie Love Krista, Brittney, Kayla and Jesse
Krista Hale left a message on May 19, 2010:
This is a poem to uncle Dewayne, Mom and All other family members we lost upon the way.... I Thought Of Your With Love Today But That is Nothing New. Thought About You Yesterday And Days Before That Too.. I Think of You In Silence I often Speak Your Name. All I Have Are Memories And A Picture in a Frame.. Your Memory Is A Keepsake With Which I’ll Never Part. God Has You In His Keeping. I Have You In My Heart. We will always love and miss you Uncle Wayne and Nonnie Love Always Krista, Brittney, Kayla and Jesse
Sally Hughes left a message on May 19, 2010:
In honor of Dewain William Townsend, Sally Hughes lit a candle.
Jaimie Whatley left a message on May 18, 2010:
We will miss you so much Uncle Wain, but we'll see you in just a little while! Give Reece big hugs from us. Stay stong Aunt Vicki we're always here if you need us
Jaimie Whatley left a message on May 18, 2010:
In honor of Dewain William Townsend, Jaimie Whatley lit a candle.
MICHAEL TOWNSEND left a message on May 18, 2010:
I will miss Dewain so very much. It just seems like yesterday when I first met him. He was so warm and gave me a big hug. I always admired him and looked up to him even though he was my younger brother. I had to “look up to him,” he was so much taller than me! I admired his work ethic and knowledge in so many areas. He was so much fun to be around. He always talked about how much he loved his wife and kids. He was a special kind of man. A “real man.” I wish so much we had been able to have more time together. I will always regret not being able to see him during his last days, but I do look forward to seeing him again some day. I love you man, Michael Townsend
MICHAEL left a message on January 30, 2013:
I will miss Dewain so very much. It just seems like yesterday when I first met him. He was so warm and gave me a big hug. I always admired him and looked up to him even though he was my younger brother. I had to “look up to him,” he was so much taller than me! I admired his work ethic and knowledge in so many areas. He was so much fun to be around. He always talked about how much he loved his wife and kids. He was a special kind of man. A “real man.” I wish so much we had been able to have more time together. I will always regret not being able to see him during his last days, but I do look forward to seeing him again some day. I love you man, Michael Townsend
Wanda Lloyd left a message on May 18, 2010:
In honor of Dewain William Townsend, Wanda Lloyd lit a candle.
Tracy Herge left a message on May 18, 2010:
In honor of Dewain William Townsend, Tracy Herge lit a candle.
Rick Jones left a message on May 18, 2010:
In honor of Dewain William Townsend, Rick Jones lit a candle.
Catherine Leitch left a message on May 17, 2010:
In honor of Dewain William Townsend, Catherine Leitch lit a candle.
Vickie left a message on January 30, 2013:
Vicki this is from a card I recieved that comforted me, so I thought I would share it. "A note from heaven" If I could write from heaven, this is what I'd say, Please don't miss me too much, I'm with you throughout the day. You may not see or hear me, but if you're quiet and still, You may just feel my presence; because, in Heaven, there is free will. Don't worry for the day, it will come and go as planned, Enjoy each moment you arel given, keep worry from your hand. Keep sorrow to a minimum; For if heaven you could see, You'd know I'm safe and happy, I did not cease to be. Moments in time are brief, until we'll be together again, as Eternity lasts forever, our lives, they have no end! I love you Vick, love Vick <3
vickie left a message on January 30, 2013:
THAT WAS MY BROTHER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE ONE WHO ALWAYS MADE ME LAUGH,THE ONE WHO ALWAYS CHEERED ME UP, NO MATTER HOW HE FELT!!!EVEN THROUGH THE LOSS OF OUR SON"REECE" FOREMAN WHO PASSED 3236 ,20 DAYS AFTER VICKIS SON "BEN."AND THEN THROUGH THE LOSS OF OUR BIGGEST SISTER "LINDA SMITH",ON 11146,WHO HURT HIM DEEPLY!!!! AND NOW THROUGH HIS OWN PASSING,ON 51510,HE IS STILL CHEERING ME UP!!! BECAUSE HE IS LAUGHING!!! HE IS "FREE" AND HE TELLS ME, I CANT WAIT FOR ALL OF YOU TO GET HERE!!!!!!!!! VICKI HOLD ON,IT WILL BE "JUST A LITTLE WHILE" AND WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER IN "HEAVEN" TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU ALWAYS & FOREVER VICKIE LYNN
Jaimie left a message on January 30, 2013:
THAT WAS MY BIG BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!THE ONE WHO COULD ALWAYS CHEER ME UP,THROUGH EVERYTHING!!!EVEN WHEN WE LOST OUR SON "REECE" FOREMAN IN 3236.AND THEN WHEN WE LOST OUR SISTER LINDA SMITH A FEW MONTHS LATER.AND YOU KNOW WHAT HES STILL CHEERING ME UP THROUGH HIS DEATH,BECAUSE HES LAUGHING,LIKE HES SAYING "IM FREE" CANT WAIT FOR ALL OF YOU TO GET HERE!!!VICKI HOLD ON IT WILL BE JUST A LITTLE WHILE AND WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!IN HEAVEN.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Brittney left a message on January 30, 2013:
This was on Nonny's memorial... Don't grieve for me, for now i'm free. I'm following the path god laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call. I turned my head and left it all. My life's been full, I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now- He set me free. We all Love and Miss Uncle Dewayne very much!! Love Brittney
Krista left a message on January 30, 2013:
This poem is for my uncle Wayne, Nonnie and all others we have loved and lost along the way I Thought Of Your With Love Today But That is Nothing New. Thought About You Yesterday And Days Before That Too.. I Think of You In Silence I often Speak Your Name. All I Have Are Memories And A Picture in a Frame.. Your Memory Is A Keepsake With Which I’ll Never Part. God Has You In His Keeping. I Have You In My Heart. We Will Always Love and Miss You Uncle Wayne and Nonnie Love Krista, Brittney, Kayla and Jesse
Krista left a message on January 30, 2013:
This is a poem to uncle Dewayne, Mom and All other family members we lost upon the way.... I Thought Of Your With Love Today But That is Nothing New. Thought About You Yesterday And Days Before That Too.. I Think of You In Silence I often Speak Your Name. All I Have Are Memories And A Picture in a Frame.. Your Memory Is A Keepsake With Which I’ll Never Part. God Has You In His Keeping. I Have You In My Heart. We will always love and miss you Uncle Wayne and Nonnie Love Always Krista, Brittney, Kayla and Jesse
Jaimie left a message on January 30, 2013:
We will miss you so much Uncle Wain, but we'll see you in just a little while! Give Reece big hugs from us. Stay stong Aunt Vicki we're always here if you need us
Omps Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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