Obituary of Maurice Leslie Townsend

Maurice Leslie Townsend, 80, died peacefully on Friday, July 7, 2023, with his wife, Grace, by his side. 

Maury was known by many in Mountain Home as a true friend, a coach and mentor, and as a beloved teacher who taught his students the power of using their voices with confidence.  To his wife, sons, their spouses and children, he was simply Dad and Grandpa, who spoiled more than should be allowed, who cherished simply being part of a family, and who demonstrated his love of God and community through selfless acts and deeds.   

Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, Maury was raised in Newell, and graduated from Black Hills State College in 1964, where he earned his degree in Secondary Education. It was in Spearfish that he met and married his lifelong love, Grace Ferguson, with whom he built a life together in Mountain Home throughout 59 years of marriage. Maury taught Speech and Theater at the Mountain Home Junior High School for 40 years where he also served as a Basketball Coach and Athletic Director.  Known as the “Voice of the Tigers” over the same period, he contributed countless hours and energy supporting athletic events at all levels including basketball and football games, track and field events, wrestling matches, and speech and debate tournaments.  

For over 55 years, Maury was active in the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, where he taught Adult Sunday School, served on the UCC’s National Pastors Evaluation Committee, and was a fixture to the congregation as a greeter at the door, a liturgist behind the pulpit, or a cook at the annual Easter bruncheon. Ever and always, he was a faithful follower of Christ, and saw a quiet duty to serve others before self.

Maury is survived by his loving wife Grace and furry companion Mighty; his three children: Richard (Ginger) Townsend of Bothell, WA; Jay (Karen) Townsend of Tallahassee, FL; and Robert (Laura) Townsend, of Eagle, Idaho. Also surviving are four cherished grandchildren, Hailey Townsend of Boise, ID, Ethan Townsend of Atlanta, GA, Lydia Townsend of Bothell, WA, and William Townsend of Bothell, WA.  In addition, sisters-in-law include Sharon Darter of Lombard, IL and Janet Chriske of Mountain Home, as well as many loving nieces and nephews in Idaho, Florida, Illinois and Vermont. 

Services will be held at 4 p.m. , July 16th, 2023 at the First Congregational Church, 515 East 15^th North Street with the Rev. Truman Parker and Rev. Deral Schrom officiating. Visitation will follow in the Fellowship Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, or to the non-profit, Boys Town.