Dr. Arthur M. Townsend, III's Obituary
Arthur Melvin Townsend, III, 79, was born June 3, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 18, 2012. He attended the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor. While there, he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He attended Howard University Medical School and graduated in 1962. He practiced obstetrics & gynecology in St. Louis at Homer G. Philips Hospital, and in Memphis at St. Joseph Hospital, Baptist Central and Baptist East Hospitals, St. Francis Hospital and Methodist Central Hospital. He was a tireless and caring physician who was respected for his attention to detail. Dr. Townsend, III enjoyed music, spending time with family and traveling. Until his retirement, he was an active member of the following organizations: Bluff City Medical Society, Memphis Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Even after retirement from his medical practice, he remained an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, The Shriner’s, and his church, Greater Middle Baptist Church. Those who await the joyful reunion on the last day are his wife Alice W. Townsend; his children, Erica LaLeta Townsend Mitchell, Judith Elizabeth Townsend, Arthur (Deborah) Townsend, IV, Jennifer Edith (Jeffrey) Redding, and Willa Ann (Terry Joseph) Badalato; brother, William Madison (Ann) Townsend; stepchildren, Walter and Allan Witter; grandchildren, Ashley Townsend Mitchell, Isabella Caroline Townsend, Sinclaire Gabriella and Maxwell Sidney Redding; step grandchildren, Jayden and Javion Witter. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 22 and the funeral service 1 p.m. Thursday, August 23 all at Memorial Park Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Arthur?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arthur?
Share a story where Arthur's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arthur you’ll never forget.
How did Arthur make you smile?