Wallace P. Townsend, Sr., “Pop Pop”, After 83 years, passed away November 26, 2006 at his home. Wally was born in Georgetown on March 15, 1926 to the late Walter and Olive Townsend.
He attended the Georgetown High School and was an active player in all three sports as well as the band. Upon graduating in 1944, he entered the Navy and attended boot camp at Bainbridge, MD before serving most of his time in the Philippines. Upon discharge, he attended the University of Delaware and later joined the Delaware State Police in 1947. During his 20 years of service, he graduated from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville and he also started the Delaware State Police Federal Credit Union in 1960 and was its manager for over 27 years.
Upon retirement from both the State Police and the Credit Union, he was partners with June and “Buggy” Pettyjohn in remodeling the old Georgetown Bakery into the Blue Gold Restaurant and later was partners with his son, Pete, in the operation of the Roadhouse and Bonanza restaurants as well as Econo Lodge and Sports Complex Amusement Park in Rehoboth Beach. Later he enjoyed helping out and watching the kids play ball at Sports at the Beach in Georgetown.
“Pop Pop” was very active with the Little League program in both Georgetown and Rehoboth and volunteered as a coach, umpire, district administrator and groundkeeper for more than 40 years as well as attending many a ballgame with his buddy Mickey. He was a member of Wesley Methodist Church and a member of Franklin Lodge #12 and the Scottish Rite Valley of Wilmington. He was also a member of the Association of Retires State Police Officers and the Lower Delaware Shield and Square Club.
Wally was predeceased by June, his wife of over 55 years. He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Cooper, his 2 sons Pete and Charles, his son-in-law Russell, his daughter-in-laws both named Cynthia, and companion Norma Daisey. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, Kelly Davis and Mac, Brandi Townsend, Scott Townsend and Alex, Casey Cooper, Colby Cooper Moremen and Ian, Tyler and Paige Townsend and 4 great grandchildren, Aaron, Will and Emma Davis and Oliver Townsend. One Sister , Thelma and her husband Col. Newt Tyndall .
A funeral service will be held Saturday , November 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 East Market Street, Georgetown, where friends may call after 12:00 noon. Interment will be at Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes DE, 19958 and to Delaware Hospice , 100, Patriots Way, Milford, Delaware 19963
