Joel W. Townsend, 94, of Placida, Fla., formerly of Mt. Carmel, passed away Monday, Sept. 30, 2013 in Florida.

He was born Sunday, Nov. 17, 1918 in Mt. Carmel, to Ben H. and Madge (Simpson) Townsend.

Joel was an attorney; graduate of Northwestern University Law School and practiced law with his father, Judges Robert Keenan, George Timberlake and Stephen Sawyer. With his wife, they owned Radio Call, Inc. in Georgia.

He was a partner in Investment Oil Company and Crystal Oil Corporation. He was also one of the owners of Empire Speedrome Enterprises, Inc., a motor vehicle race track in the 1950s. Joel was an early-day Wabash Valley College instructor at Bluff Cottage, where he taught Business Law for nine years. Joel served as attorney for the College Board when WVC was founded and was a Charter Member of Wabash Valley College Foundation, serving as president from 1969-1970. He served as Executive Director of Wabash County Housing Authority in 1969-1971. He served three terms as Assistant State’s Attorney and was Wabash County State’s Attorney. He served 15 years on the Selective Service Board as Governor of Appeals, and served 12 years as director of the Illinois Bar Foundation, Secretary of Administrative Law Section for Illinois, Hearing Officer for the State Air and Water Pollution Control Board, and legal consultant for Illinois Department of Public Health. He was a member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge #2710 in Rotonda West, Fla. where he served as treasurer and an active member; past Exalted Ruler of Lodge #715 in Mt. Carmel. He was a Veteran of WWII, serving as Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy.

Joel is survived by his wife of 22 years, Janet (Hoffman); two daughters, Joann Welch of Boca Grande, Fla. and Deborah Garrigan of Tarpon Springs, Fla.; four grandchildren, Leecia, Erin, Samuel, and Andrew; two great-grandchildren, Fifer and Renly.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

A  Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 9, 2013 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 512 N. Mulberry St., Mt. Carmel, IL.

Memorial can be made to TideWell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.

There will be a Private Family Burial at Highland Memorial Cemetery.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com.