Marlyn Jasper Townsend, 92, of Pontotoc, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Pontotoc. He was born June 11, 1933, to Clayton and Thema Townsend in Neshoba County. He graduated from House High School in Neshoba County. He served as Military Police in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He worked as an assistant manager for Walmart for 20 years and managed S.H. Kress Co Department Store for 27 years. He was a member of Zion Baptist Church for 55 years and served as a deacon for 17 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and gardening.

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Hoing (Terry); sons, David Townsend (Debbie) and Kent Townsend (Beth); sister, JoElla Skipper; four grandchildren, Kevin Hoing (Daniell), Jason Townsend, Christina Carpenter, and John Townsend (Jess); and four great grandchildren, Kathirine Carpenter; Madalyn Carpenter, Brooklyn Carpenter, and River Townsend.
He is preceded in death by his wife; Sally Townsend, parents; sisters, Margaret Hudgins and Judy Steidel; and brother, Maurice Townsend.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Lee Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm in the chapel with Bro. Robert Armstrong and Bro. Dean Moody officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Hoing, Jason Townsend, John Townsend, Phil Cates, Charles Petty, and Michael Stegall. Honorary pallbearer will be River Townsend.