Funeral services for Ellis Albert Townsend, Jr., better known as Albert will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Hessmer Baptist Church in Hessmer, LA with Rev. Nick Maricle officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Innis, LA.  Arrangements are under the direction of Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie.

Mr. Townsend, age 78 of Bunkie, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at his home.

Ellis Albert Townsend, Jr., better known as Albert, was a graduate of BHS & Louisiana Tech with a degree in Agronomy & Animal Science.  For a few years following graduation, he taught Agriculture & Sciences at Morrow, LA, and raised registered Brahman cattle and hogs.  Then, he began his 43-year long career in farming.  After his brother Billy joined the farming operation, they grew sugarcane, soybeans, cotton, corn, grain sorghum and wheat through the years.  In 1974 Albert was chosen by LA Farm Bureau as Louisiana's Young Farmer & Rancher of the Year.  In 1986, he and Billy were chosen Farmers of the Year by the Bunkie Chamber of Commerce.

Albert served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at FBC Bunkie.  Then, having a heart for missions, in 1978 the Lord led he and Gladys to Hessmer where they were committed to establishing a mission of FBC Bunkie.  This mission grew into today's Hessmer Baptist Church.  He never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and needed in the church.  As a result, the church grew.

Albert and Billy retired following the 2014 harvest.  In retirement, he enjoyed fishing, traveling with Gladys, the 7 "grands" and continuing with church responsibilities.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gladys Lambert Townsend, and their children and grandchildren:  Laurence Albert Townsend & wife Yvette, Madeline, Carter & Lizzie; Melissa Townsend Desselle & husband Glenn (T-Boy), Lily & Olivia; Evelyn Townsend Renfrow & husband Chad Renfrow, Sebastian & Mason.

Also, sister Mary Evelyn Townsend Horn & husband Terry, and brother William (Billy) & wife Donna, along with nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ellis Albert, Sr. & Kaletah Rodgers Townsend.

The family is very thankful for and indebted to his long-time Christian caregivers:  Lisa Fields and Danielle Wolfe, as well as employees of Allegiance Hospice and Compassionate Care Hospice.

Friends may visit on Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie.  Visitation will also take place on Saturday from 12:00 pm until the time of the service at Hessmer Baptist Church.

Memorials may be sent to Hessmer Baptist Church online, or to PO Box 117, Hessmer, LA 71341.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hixson-ducote.com