John Allen Townsend, 71 MILFORD - John Allen Townsend, 71, of Milford, passed away suddenly on June 13th, 2010 in Milford Memorial Hospital. Born on July 21, 1938, in Dover, John was the youngest of nine children born to Luther and Geneva Townsend. John graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in 1959, and went on to work as a petroleum mechanic. He worked for 28 years for DTS formerly Callis Thompson of Harrington. He also served in the Delaware National Guard. He met the love of his life, Doris Brown, in 1974 and married that same year. They built a house together in Milford and treasured time spent together on the projects that made their house a loving home. An intelligent and gifted problem solver, John was a man of many talents. His greatest joy was in helping others. He was a devoted and caring brother-in-law to Eleanor, who lived just down the street. Whether you needed something built or fixed, a ride somewhere or another pair of hands, you not only could count on John, he was happy to help. Funny and quick witted, he leaves his friends and family with many happy memories. John is survived by Doris, his wife of 36 years, a son, John A., Jr.; a daughter, Jackie Valmoissoi, her husband Alan; grandchildren, Ashley, Alyssa, Chase and Naomi; his brother, Thomas and wife Janet; his sisters, Edith, Geneva and Janet Parker and her husband Johnny; several nieces and nephews; his dear sister-in-law, Eleanor Semans and her friend Frank Rothermel; his close nephew, Donald Mears and his friend Pat Baptist; and close family friend, Cindy Matheny. Friends called on Thursday, June 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St. Milford. Services to honor this life well spent were held Friday, June 18, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Houston United Methodist Church, 235 Broad St., Houston. Interment was in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. Donations in memory of John Townsend can be made to the Houston United Methodist Church.