Lawrence Wayne Townsend

July 18, 1931 - October 17, 2026

Lawrence Wayne Townsend passed at his home under the love and care of his family. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas to Lawerence and Ethel Fern Townsend. Wayne had a love for the agricultural world that was heavily influenced by growing up in the Midwest. He was a master nurturer and maintained beautiful landscaping and gardens into his 90’s. Wayne was a very hard worker, first as a farmer, then while stationed in France in the Army service during the Korean War, and later when earning a degree from Kansas State in Agriculture. After he graduated, he became a County Extension agent in Minneapolis, Kansas. From there, Wayne and his family moved to McCook, Nebraska where he served as a Sales Rep for a large agricultural service products company. In his 50’s, Wayne made a move to Sandpoint, Idaho, drawn by family, the lake, and the mountains. He owned Sandpoint Premix and the NAPA stores in Sandpoint, Idaho and in Libby, Montana.

Wayne loved woodworking and spent many hours creating beautiful projects in his woodshop that will be cherished by each of his daughters. Wayne was a fan of Louis L’Amour, Zane Grey, and the Wall Street Journal. He played the stock market much like he played late night family pinochle games— with guts and great foresight. He was resourceful, adventuresome, and a master at calculated risks. You would certainly choose him to be your partner in a card game and ask his opinion on investments! His preferred adventures included flying his Bonanza plane, riding snowmobiles, waterskiing, fishing, and traveling in his motor home. In his later years you could find Wayne exploring the neighborhood on his lawnmower, usually sporting a red shirt.

Wayne expressed many times that his greatest source of pride was his family. He was a loving husband of 50 years to Alta, who passed in 2003, and then to Phyllis, his wife of 21 years. During family gatherings, he made sure to tell the whole table how proud he was of his 3 daughters and their families. His eyes lit up whenever he saw his 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. This husband, dad, brother, grandpa, Gpa, and uncle will be greatly missed. We are thankful for such a full life of memories and that he is in the arms of Jesus.

Wayne was preceded in death by spouse Alta, brothers Charles and Noel, and grandson Jesse Dawson. He is survived by spouse Phyllis Townsend, sister Shirley Wrinkle, daughters Deb (Mike) Dawson, Sharon (Mark) Brim, and Susan (Andrew) Fingel. Grandchildren Melissa (Tim) Dawson/Kenney, Tasha (Nate) Cropper, Travis Brim, Tania (Tom) Hinders, Hannah (Terran) LaVonne, and Caleb (Natalie) Fingel. Great grandchildren Piper, Brennan, Hazel, Audrey, Jax, Esme, Cormac, Davis, and Henry. Along with many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice-Bonner General Health https://bonnergeneral.org/services/hospice, Or mailed to Hospice Dept, 520 N. 3rd Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864