Anthony Monroe Townsend

Life's Reflections

    Anthony Monroe Townsend, (affectionately known as “Tony” or “Tony Roe,”) came into this world on February 10, 1987, which was a cold, blustery day.  But in spite of the weather conditions on his birthday, the days ahead were filled with warmth and love from him. The extra special part of his arrival was having an older brother waiting on him. It was wonderful to know that his older brother, Kenny, now had a playmate. Tony grew up in Kansas City, Kansas and Shawnee, Kansas. He attended William Allen White Elementary School, West and Eisenhower Middle Schools and was a 2005 graduate of Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas. Upon graduation, he was blessed to attend Grambling State University, in Grambling, Louisiana.

     Beginning in his early elementary years and continuing through his collegiate years, Tony excelled in sports, playing basketball, baseball for numerous teams at various positions and football as a high school quarterback. He continued playing baseball during his tenure at Grambling State.

     Aside from enjoying sports, Tony loved to cook. He was game to try out old and new recipes alike. Furthermore, Tony could always be counted on to help the hosting relatives with house cleaning and staging preparation before big family gatherings.

     He was employed at Aldi’s Distribution Warehouse Center in Olathe, Kansas at the time of his passing.

      Tony was a kind person who saw no evil in anyone. He will always be remembered for his humor, good nature, gentleness and willingness to do anything he could to help not only his family, but others as well. If anyone did anything for him, he was appreciative and expressed his gratitude to them. He was a selfless individual who would willingly share what he had. Tony had a tremendous work ethic – persevering on to work, even when he was not in the best of health. His wonderful bear-like hugs and big, bright smile will forever be memorable characteristics of his lovable personality. His hugs and smiles were big and so genuine. He continued to share those wonderful hugs and smiles, despite confronting various challenges throughout his young adult life.

     Above all and most importantly, was Tony’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He became a member of Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Kansas City, Kansas, and was baptized into the Kingdom of Heaven on June 24th, 2012. Relying on Christ as his anchor in all storms and an ever present help in times of trouble, Tony read his Bible, prayed and was not timid about sharing his thoughts about the ways in which Jesus Christ had blessed him abundantly over the years.

     Tony was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, James Maxwell, Sr. and Mary Ann Edwards Townsend; maternal grandparents, James and Lola Ellison Buford; uncles, Tavern Ellison, Charles Edward “Sonny” Roberson and Leslie Evans; aunt, Margaret Ellison, and cousin Benoyd “Butch” Ellison. 

     He leaves to cherish his memory always; his loving parents, James Maxwell “Kat” Townsend, Jr. and Althea Linda Buford Townsend; his beloved brother, James Kenneth Townsend; aunts, Geraldine Y. Evans, Carol Ann Gomez Walker, Gayle E. Townsend, Esq., Janet L. Townsend Johnson (Reginald) and Linda Roberson; beloved cousins, Tammera Roberson Green, Cher Roberson, Brandon Roberson (Kelly), Arman Green (Simone), Raeshon Lynnette Johnson, Michelle Nicole Johnson Brower, Nicholas Reginald Johnson, Jordan Reynard Johnson, Jalyn Regina Johnson, Mikayla Raeshon Bradford, Lee Ann Ellison, Guy Anthony Ellison, Stephanie Ellison Woods, Dr. Nolen and Carole Ellison and sons Mark and Steven, godmother, Reverend Ruth Collins, and a host of other relatives, friends and acquaintances.

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