Benny Clark Townsend, age 89 a resident of the Charlestown Senior Living Community in Catonsville, MD, passed away on May 4, 2026 in Baltimore, MD. Benny was born June 8, 1936 in Nauvoo, AL and was predeceased by his wife Gaila Jeanne Kaawalauole Townsend (2015) of Hawai’i, daughter Melinda Townsend Ray (2020) of North Carolina, and parents Robert L. Townsend (1994) and Christine L. Manasco Townsend (1996) of Alabama.

Benny’s life in Alabama was full as he learned how to hunt, fish, farm, and he was a gifted athlete. After a short stint in college, he left Alabama in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Army (USA). His 20-year career in the Army led him to all corners of the globe serving tours of duty not only in the United States but in Germany, Japan, Iran, Spain, two tours in Vietnam, Greece, and Lebanon before he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer in January 1975. He was recognized throughout his Military career with many medals and commendations to include the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with 1st Oak Cluster, Air Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Tet Counter-Offensive Recognition 1969-1970. Following his retirement, Benny continued service with the United States Department of Defense (DoD) as a Civilian for 15 years which included serving in Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia before retiring to Crystal River, FL where he resided until 2024. Following his second retirement from DoD, and with his wife Gaila who he was married to for 59 years, they began the ‘Opae Shrimp Business and enjoyed fishing, hosting family and many friends to their home, made yearly treks between Hawaii and the East Coast to visit their adult children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended ‘Ohana. Family and service, mixed with global travel is something Benny enjoyed with his wife and family and he was always someone you could count on to take care of things, volunteer his time and lend his expertise or provide advice. Growing up on a farm he could grow anything, fix anything and build anything. He loved many sports whether watching, participating, playing or coaching. He was an avid baseball fan, his favorite team the Tampa Bay Rays. He loved coaching adult and youth football and baseball, playing golf, bowling, tennis, darts, running or walking. He was selfless, always a team player and giving, and loved God in his own way but more so his ‘Ohana/family. He embraced the spirit of “Aloha” and the Hawaiian culture that his wife Gaila shared with the ‘Ohana and would often end an ‘Ohana gathering with “Me Ke Aloha Pumehana”, meaning with warm aloha, affection, and heartfelt.

In his passing, Benny is survived by his son Neal C. Townsend of Ellicott City, MD (Angela) and daughter Debra Kaawalauole-Townsend of Kailua, HI. In addition, he leaves behind endless adventures and memories to his six grandchildren Joshua Jones, Jessica Jones Martin (Michael), Jennifer Jones Harrison (Michael), Shannon Marie Townsend, Ben James Townsend (Ashleigh), and Daniel Lee Townsend (Renata) and five great grandchildren Paige Townsend, Margot Townsend, Llewyn Townsend, Beckett Townsend, and Duke and Beau Harrison.

In lieu of a service or flowers please consider making a donation or volunteering your time to support your local or a National Veterans Organization like the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) or the Wounded Warrior Foundation in honor of Benny C. Townsend.

“The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing. No greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” “Me Ke Aloha Pumehana”

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