Clyde Allen (CT) Townsend

Life’s Reflections of

Clyde Allen (CT) Townsend

Clyde Allen Townsend was born May 20, 1927 to Howard Townsend and Rhoda Scott Townsend in Desoto, Missouri.  He was the second oldest of ten children born to this union.  Clyde was proceeded in death by both of his parents and siblings, Walter, Sylvester, Howard, Jr., Anna Francis, Etta Cleo, Garland Leroy, Donnell, Donald, and cousin Dorothy Thomas.

His education began in a three-room schoolhouse for grades 1-8.  Clyde rode the bus 15 miles each way everyday to Douglass High School in Festus, Missouri.  After High School he was drafted into the United States Army where he served time during the Korean War for 2 years.  He was discharged November 1952 with an honorable discharge as a Sergeant First Class.

Clyde moved to Kansas City, Kansas in the early 1950’s.  His first job when coming to Kansas City was at Swift Meat Packing Company. In 1956 he began to dabble in politics.  He was appointed as Superintendent of the Street Department in 1961.  He held that position for 11 years. During this time, he also was employed by The Leader Clothing Store on Minnesota Avenue, where his engaging personality and sense of style caught the attention of many. In 1972 he became the Assistant Director of the Licensing Department at City Hall, holding that position until 1974.  From 1975 to 1978 Clyde worked at the Wyandotte County Courthouse and during that time frame he ran for his 1st elected office with the Board of Public Utilities.  In 1979, after the death of Jim Davis, Clyde was appointed County Commissioner.  He retired from his position in 1989.  

Clyde was a member of First A.M.E. Church where he faithfully served for over 50 years. He served in Various ministries over the years including, the Mass Choir, Usher Board, Steward Board and Finance Committee.  He dearly loved and was loved by his church family.

Clyde was extremely active in civic and community organizations too numerous to name them all but include the following:

*Kansas City Kansas Housing Authority Commissioner

*Precinct Committeeman for over 30 years

*Optimist Club International – Past President and Immediate Past Lt. Governor, Zone 11-State of Kansas

*Economic Opportunity Foundation (EOF) – Past President and Treasurer

*Friends of Yates Branch –President

*Cancer Action Board of Directors – Past President

*NAACP – State and Local Executive Board

*KCKCC Board of Trustees (elected March 2007)

*Sunflower Golf Advisory Board

*Wyandotte County Foundation Park Board

*United Way

*Tremont Redevelopment Corporation

*Red Cross

*Distributor for The Call Newspaper

Clyde has received awards in many of these positions and others for his Outstanding leadership and contributions in the community.  His love of service to others was insurmountable.

After retiring from public office, he returned to a longtime passion and became the Assistant Funeral Director for Thatcher’s Funeral Home, Inc. in Kansas City Kansas (for over 60 years), where he remained a valuable consultant even during his declining health. His service to others never ceased.   He was often called upon for advice by many.  He felt it was his mission to assist the others in the Nursing home and was elected to the Resident Council Board while there.   During his months at the Nursing Home, Clyde could often be seen participating in every activity offered and he enjoyed playing cd’s every evening for all to enjoy. 

Left to cherish his loving memory is his longtime companion, Dewylene Story; her daughters, Sharon D. Taylor (Henry); Lisa R. Douglas (Gerald); one sister, Carol Townson Shores; grandchildren, Christopher Allen of Quincy, MA; Chelsey Janses of St. Charles, MO;  Courtney; Shawndra (Cortez); Gerell; and Kyla; great grandchild, Carter S. of St. Charles, MO; two special “sons”, UN Mathis; and Tyrone Fulks; his Thatcher’s Funeral Home family; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

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