Dured Leroy Townsend, 73 of Newberry, IN, entered into rest unexpectedly on May 9, 2025. Dured was born in Linton, Indiana to Rodney Fred and Gladys Marie (Goodlet) Townsend on November 17, 1951. He attended Newberry Elementary school and was a 1969 graduate of Central High School. He married his loving wife and high school sweetheart Sandy on February 17, 1973.

Dured was first and foremost a beloved husband, father, and papaw. He dedicated his life to his family and his work, leaving behind a legacy of service and love. In his younger years he attended Indiana State University before working with his dad at the Newberry service station. After which he sold insurance for Franklin Life before becoming a dispatcher for the Greene County Sheriff's Department. He devoted 20+ years to serving Greene County as a deputy sheriff while also providing his expertise as a Pistol and AR-15 Armorer and Firearms Instructor. After retiring from the sheriff's department, he went on to serve as a federal police officer at Crane naval base from which he retired as well. In recent years, he worked for Catalent as security officer and helped his son-in-law at Banded Ag seasonally. Dured also served our school community as a school board member and school bus driver. He also served on the advisory board for Cass township. He had a passion for horses which led him to another of his many jobs as a horse farrier. Dured was a member of the Switz City Masonic Lodge #676 F&AM. He was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Police #105, American Quarter Horse Association and National Rifle Association. Dured was a family man who enjoyed time with his wife, kids, and grandchildren. He loved horses, camping, fishing, hunting, old westerns and guns. He spent many years pulling, training and showing horses. He was honest to the core, extremely hardworking, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and family. Dured was loved big by his family and friends and will be truly missed by all.

Dured was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Gladys Townsend, his in-laws J.D. and Myrtle Miller, his sister Doneva Townsend Ely, brothers-in-law Jeff Miller, Ron Miller, Larry Flynn and nephews Dennis Roark and Logan Brady.

He will be remembered daily by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 52 years Sandra Kay (Miller) Townsend; his children Natalie (Casey) Turpin, Doneva D.D. (Chris) Perkins, Drew (Brittany) Townsend; his grandchildren Brooklyn, Kaylee, and Austyn Turpin, Kennady, Beau and Scarlett Perkins, Everleigh and Ensley Townsend; sister Marlen Flynn, sisters-in-law Marsha Brady, Tracy Miller, and Debby Miller; brothers-in-law John Miller, Doug Miller, Burton Ely; nephews Rodney Roark, Charles D. (Kelli) Rollins, Jason (Jaime) Butcher, J.J. Miller, Steven and Tyler Brady; nieces Crystal (Brace) Foster, Misty Jerrells, Sarah Wilson, Dana (Austin) Elliott, Jordan (Tom) Atchley, Breanna (Nick) Smith and numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 11 am EST Friday, May 16, 2025, with Pastor Nathan Brooks officiating. Dured will be laid to rest in Prairie Chapel Cemetery in Lyons.

Visitation will be held at Meng Family Funeral Home, 89 C Street NW, Linton, IN on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 4 pm EST until 8 pm EST and on Friday from 10 am EST until time of service at 11 am EST. A Masonic Memorial Service will be presented by Switz City #676 F. & A.M. on Thursday at 7 pm EST at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greene County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Homes, Anderson-Poindexter Chapel in Linton.  Condolences and memories may be sent to the family online at www.andersonpoindexter.com.