Donald Clayton Townsend, 72, passed away June 6 at his home in Wickenburg.

Don was born, Aug 24, 1940, and raised in Sheridan, Wyo., and attended schools there.

He began working as an auto parts man for a brief time until his father purchased the Rainbow Bar in Sheridan, where Don began working as a bartender.

Don and his brother Jerry purchased the bar from their father, with Don eventually purchasing full interest in the bar.

Don was a member of the Masonic Lodge as well as being a Shriner. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and had served as past president of the Local Liquor Dealers Association as well as past president of the Wyoming State Liquor Dealers Association. Don was instrumental in organizing a youth scholarship fund through the Liquor Dealers Association.

He also was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Fraternal Oder of Eagles.

He was also honored one year as Small Businessman of the Year in Sheridan.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also owned horses and would often be found helping local ranchers in Sheridan relax and be outdoors.

Don was preceded in death by his brother Gerald Townsend.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Townsend of both Wickenburg and Sheridan; children Donald Ray Townsend of Sheridan, Wyo., Greg (Holly) Townsend of Sheridan, Bradford Jon (Dana) Townsend of Sheridan, and stepdaughter Vanessa Paredes of Sheridan; brother Darrell Townsend and sister-in-law Karen Townsend of Sheridan; sister Barbara Mae Lilley of Sacramento, Calif.; and grandchildren Kaycen, Taylor, Tyrell, Chali, Okley, Sera and Maddy.

A memorial service will be held later this month at the First Presbyterian Church in Sheridan, Wyo., with a memorial service to follow in Wickenburg in the fall.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home and Crematory.

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona - June 12, 2013.