“The Gayly” CFO succumbs to cancer

The Gayly CFO and Senior Editor, Kenneth A. Townsend (Ken), 71, died on February 5 at his home in Northwest Oklahoma City. In August 2019, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Ken was born on November 4, 1948, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Kenneth S. and Dolores (McKinnon) Townsend. The family traveled a great deal throughout Ken’s formative years due to their father’s employment. Ken has described his childhood as “fun” because he felt like there was always another adventure awaiting him in a new town.

Ken received his degree in psychology from Oklahoma University in 1971. Soon after obtaining his degree, he began selling insurance in his hometown of Stratford, Oklahoma. Ken and his first wife, Elsie, met in Ada, Oklahoma, and moved to Wyoming in 1976. In 1979, they had a son, John Paul.

But Ken had a passion for the oil and gas industry. After living in Wyoming for a few years, Ken moved back to Oklahoma to pursue drilling oil and gas. Upon his passing, he was also the President of Kendol Exploration and Kendol Resources, where he was the owner, operator and producer of several wells.

Ken Townsend is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Robin Dorner. They had many wonderful and adventurous years together, which included much travel and spending time with a host of wonderful friends. They also were in business together, which included the adventures of operating The Gayly.

Ken is also survived by his son, John Paul Townsend, 41, wife Christina and two grandchildren, Harrison, age 12, and Sophia, age 9, all of Ada, Oklahoma.

Other surviving family members include his father, Kenneth S. Townsend, 91, of Stratford. His siblings, Gayle (Townsend) Aab of Portland, Oregon, and her husband, Larry. Stan Townsend of Ada, Oklahoma, and his wife Laura, and Andy Townsend, and his wife, Sara.

Services will be Saturday, February 15 at 2 p.m. at Expressions Church, 3208 N. May Avenue in Oklahoma City.

The family requests no food, no plants, and no flowers. During Ken’s illness, Other Options, Inc. was most helpful in loaning Ken and Robin needed durable medical items, allowing Ken to return home rather than to stay in the hospital or be admitted to a facility. These items allowed the couple much extra time together in the quiet comfort of their own home.

If you are able, please donate in Ken’s name to Other Options, Inc. at this link: KEN TOWNSEND

Copyright The Gayly. 2/6/2020 @ 11:00 a.m. CST.