Frank Townend ’33

Major General (ret.) Frank Townend, one of the most energetic supporters of the class, died Nov. 27, 2001. He was 90. After graduating from Harvard Law School, he practiced in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. During WWII he served with the 109th Field Artillery in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, the Battle of the Bulge, and Central Europe. He was named commander of the 109th Field Artillery in 1948. He held various commands during the Korean War. His military decorations included the Bronze Star and five battle stars.

Later, as director of the Luzerne County [Pa.] Civil Defense, he gave the order to evacuate the Wyoming Valley during the 1972 Agnes Flood.

Frank was a member of the Wilkes-Barre Presbyterian Church and was active in the United Way, Nesbit Memorial Hospital, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, Westmoreland Club, Kiwanis, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion.

Frank is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lenchen Coughlin, a son, Stephen, a daughter, Cynthia Donaldson, and six grandchildren. This friend and classmate will certainly be missed, especially his carefully recorded football game plans.

The Class of 1933