Ellis "Ray" Townley

Ellis "Ray� Townley, 83 of Independence passed away Tue. May 16, 2006 at Independence Regional Health Center. Services will be 2:00 pm, Sat. May 20, 2006 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St. Independence, MO. Visitation will be from 7 - 8:30 pm Friday at the chapel. Graveside services will be 1:00 pm, Mon. May 22, 2006 at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, MO. Ray was born on Oct. 4, 1922 to Ellis and Ila Townley in Kansas City, MO. He had been a deliveryman for Merchants Delivery Service, retiring in 1979. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid sports fan. He was an active lifetime member of the American Legion Post 21 and had served in its Honor Guard and as Sergeant of Arms. He was a WWII Army veteran and had served in the European Campaign and at the battle of the Bulge. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Craig. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth Townley of Independence. A son, Michael Townley of Florida; two stepdaughters, Linda Hahn and husband Bill of Independence and Margie Heinlen and husband Don of Independence. A stepson Howard Fennell of Council Bluffs, IA. Two grandchildren, twelve step-grandchildren, six great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren.