Ivor William "Murph" Townsend, Jr., 81, of Oxford, died on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the Ware Presbyterian Village where he had resided for 34 years.

Born in Pomeroy, he was the son of the late Ivor W. Townsend, Sr. and Elizabeth Etta Deivert Townsend. Murph was a 1949 graduate of Scott High School in Coatesville. He was employed by Lukens Steel in Coatesville. He was a member of the Pomeroy United Methodist Church.

He is survived by one daughter Terrie, wife of Jesse Black of Cochranville, five grandchildren, Brent Black and wife Lesley, Hope, wife of Miller Himelright, Josh Black and wife Melanie, Sara, wife of Travis Golesich and Ivor Townsend IV, seven great grandchildren, one sister Margaret Morris of Parkesburg and ex-wife and friend Joan Merklee of Cochranville.

He was preceded in death by one son Ivor W. "Murphy" Townsend, III and three siblings Joseph Townsend, Jane Weaver and Elizabeth Cazillo.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at 11:00 am from the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St. Parkesburg, followed by interment at the Upper Octorara Cemetery. Family and friends are also invited to attend the viewing from 10 to 11:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Ware Presbyterian Village, 7 E. Locust St. Oxford, PA 19363.

Online condolences may be posted at  www.wildefuneralhome.com