Alonzo Townsell, Sr. was the youngest of 10 children born to the loving marital union of Dan and Willie Neal Townsell on February 2, 1936 in the town of Red Bird, Oklahoma.  He attended Miller Washington School in Red Bird from grades 1 thru 12 (graduating in 1954) at one point being a student in the music class taught by his older sister Gertrude.

Throughout his childhood years, Alonzo never shied away from physical labor.  He worked daily alongside his father farming cotton, corn, peanuts and other crops (often missing school to do so).  He also worked with mules, horses, cows, chickens and other animals.  He had a natural affinity towards working hard with his hands (a trait he was determined to instill in his sons, nephews and any young man he came in contact with).  He also loved working with the land; which led him to return to the Red Bird area to live out his retirement years.

Alonzo was always protective of his family, ready to help anyone of them when needed.  With others, he had the ability (and willingness) to interact at any level necessary, which might require anything from gentle compassion to a more effective means of communication to resolve a slightly more volatile issue.

Alonzo was a 33 ^rd degree Mason.  Wishful Master of Pride of the West Lodge #53 Kansas jurisdiction, a member of Orient Consistory #19 Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry Northern Jurisdiction PHA and a Noble of Koran Shrine Temple #33.  Served as captain of the Shriner's motorcycle patrol #33.  Organizer and founder of the Red Bird Miller Washington High School Homecoming Club beginning the year 1971.  Military service, U.S. Army One Hundred and First Airborne Division from 1961 to 1963.  Retired from Ford Motor Corporation in 1995, completing their apprenticeship training program from Detroit MI., and serving 30 plus years as an Industrial Mechanic.  He also attended U.S. trade school in Kansas City, Mo.

He loved to travel, often hooking up his 5 ^th wheel mobile home to the back of his pickup and driving until he felt like stopping.  He also traveled overseas, meeting and making new friends with his unique wit and charm.  His goal was to experience life in its many forms and he did so at his own pace, the way he wanted.  Besides his God, he answered to no one.  His life had no shortage of different experiences, travels, joys and even sorrows.  His ongoing statement towards the end of his days was that he had lived his life the way he wanted and was at peace with what was to come.

Throughout his life, Alonzo was always active in church.  In his later years he served as a trustee of the First Baptist Church of Red Bird, Oklahoma.  He also served as the church musical director, a position previously held by his beautiful wife Eleanor who passed away in 2008.

Alonzo's health required he be hospitalized soon after Thanksgiving 2016.  His body had been fighting cancer for several years.  Following the onset of additional symptoms and a battle with his illness that was brave, valiant and fought as only Alonzo could, God said, "enough" and called him home to Glory on January 19 ^th 2017, exactly 2 weeks before his 81 ^st birthday.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dan and Willie Neal, wife Eleanor, siblings Jessie, Samuel, Arlene, Wilma, Vesta Be as well as a sibling that died in infancy.

His memory continues to reside in the hearts of those who remain…his three children, Alonzo Jr. (husband to Linda, father of 2 girls and 1 boy, grandfather of 5 boys and 3 girls), Stephanie (wife to Earl, mother of 2 girls) and Anthony (father of 3 girls and a son who passed away in 1986, grandfather of 4 boys and 1 girl), sisters Christella and Gertrude, his twin brother Leo, loving friend and companion Lil, his many nieces and nephews, extended family and countless friends…oh and of course his beloved dog Penny.

The Final Hour with Mr. Townsell will commence on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the First Baptist Church of Redbird.  The Pastor, Reverend William T. Janey will Preside.

Burial will follow in the Red Bird City Cemetery.

You may visit Mr. Townsell on Friday, January 27, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM at the funeral home in Muskogee.