TOWNSEND, Ralph - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

A 52-year-old World War II veteran, unable to walk since last Christmas, was rescued from his flaming bed about 3 o'clock Thursday morning but died later at Culver Hospital. He was Ralph J. (Shorty) Townsend, 306 Dunn Ave. Death was caused by second and third degree burns of his limbs and torso, Montgomery County Coroner Fred M. Blix said. Firemen said the victim's bed and pajamas were apparently ignited by a cigarette. Townsend, who operated a service station at South Boulevard and Washington Street from 1945 to 1955, was living with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Davidson. Davidson said he was awaken by Townsend's yells and ran to his room to find him writhing in his burning pajamas. His pajamas burned off, Townsend was carried by his son-in-law from a back bedroom to the living room and later taken to the hospital where he died shortly before 6 o'clock. Firemen who were summoned threw the slightly charred mattress into the back yard. Damage other than to the mattress was minor. Crippled by arthritis, Townsend had not been able to walk in the last 10 months, Davidson said. A wheelchair was beside the victim's bed. Townsend was a corporal during the second World War, serving with the First Army on the European front. A holder of the Bronze Star, he saw action in the Battle of the Bulge. His arthritis began after his discharge from the army and had troubled him over 10 years, relatives said. He had been given a pension by the government. A 32nd degree Mason, he was a member of the Montgomery Lodge No. 50 and the Scottish Rite of Indianapolis. He was a member of the Byron Cox American Legion Post. Townsend was born Nov. 7, 1906, to Noah and Grace Reister Townsend in Newtown. He graduated from high school in Newtown. His father later moved to Crawfordsville and operated a service station here. His survivors are the daughter with whom he was living, Mrs. Davidson; another daughter, Mrs. Grace Cunningham, 714 South Blvd.; two sons, Marine Cpl. Marvin K. Townsend, who is stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Donnie L. Townsend of rural Bainbridge; six brothers, John Townsend of Lafayette, Fred Townsend of Rensselaer, Ben Townsend of Veedersburg, and Joe, Virgil and Bob Townsend of Covington, and seven grandchildren. In addition, there are several nieces and nephews. Funeral services have been set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the McCloud Funeral Home in Crawfordsville. Rev. Paul Hubble will be the officiating minister. Burial will be at the Masonic Cemetery. Military rites and Masonic rites will be held at the graveside. Friends may call at the funeral home.   --typed by Walt W