William Cochran Townsend

William Cochran Townsend, 93, of Parkesburg, formerly of Cochranville, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA. He was the beloved husband of Hazel Mellinger Townsend with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, PA, he was the son of the late Willis Townsend and Bertha Hershour Townsend.

Bill was an area resident all his life. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War, as a sergeant in Ansbach, Germany, from 1950 to 1952.  Bill was employed for 47 years, by the Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville as a grinder, retiring in 1993.

In his younger years  Bill was an avid championship motorcycle drag racer, and later continued his love for the outdoors, largely centered around home, family and friends, enjoying pool time and picnics.  Bill was known for his annual garden and worked tirelessly to ensure a bountiful crop of vegetables for the family, with plenty to be shared with others.

Bill was a member of the Friendship United Methodist Church in Gum Tree, PA and he was a member of the Skerett Masonic Lodge No. 343 of Cochranville, PA.

He is survived, in addition to his wife, by two daughters; Sandra Pluck and husband Jeffrey of Parkesburg and Pamela J. Hochmuth and husband John of Raleigh, NC, five grandchildren; Rob Webster, Michele Reynolds and husband Mark, Jessica Detwiler and husband Chris, David Hochmuth and wife Shannon, and Ashley Bellamy and husband PJ;  and seven great grandchildren; Lily, Cole, Piper, Landon, Shealyn, Ava and Harper.  He was preceded in death by three siblings; Havard "Buck" Townsend, Genevieve Chesnet and Roger Townsend.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St. Parkesburg, PA followed by interment at the Friendship Methodist Cemetery, Gum Tree, PA. Family and friends are also invited to attend the viewing at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, January 19, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM and also Thursday morning from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. At 10:45 AM Masonic services will be performed by the Skerett Masonic Lodge.

In order to protect those at risk, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing while at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Heart Assoc. 5455 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43214.

Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com