Kevin Edward Townes Sr. looked toward a city with eternal foundations‚ a city designed and built by God‚ and he departed this life in honor and bravery doing as God purposed for him from the beginning of time on December 8‚ 2011.

Kevin was born March 30‚ 1957‚ to Sylvia Isabelle Townes in White Plains. In addition to the love and care of his mother‚ Kevin experienced the rich and affectionate meaning of ‘a village to raise a child‚’ with loving instruction and support from his great-grandmother‚ Idell ‘Mother’ Johnson; grandmother‚ Louise ‘Granny’ Townes; aunts Virginia Cooke and Louise ‘Chippy’ Johnson; and uncle Leonard Townes. Their influence helped to cultivate Kevin’s life and values.

Kevin was educated by White Plains City School District. He served in the United States Marine Corps‚ receiving an honorable discharge in 1980. He was employed by General Motors before joining the City of Mount Vernon Fire Department in September 1986. He faithfully served the City of Mount Vernon doing what he loved and respected until his final call to duty on his heavenly departure.

Kevin began his Christian walk as a practicing Catholic‚ serving as an altar boy in his younger years. In 1995‚ Kevin met Patricia A. Way‚ and they were married on June 28‚ 1997. In 1997‚ he joined Calvary Baptist Church‚ where he was baptized and served as an usher. In 2004‚ he and his family relocated to Dutchess County. Kevin joined Beulah Baptist Church‚ under the leadership of Rev. Jesse V. Bottoms Jr.‚ where he studied and discovered his God-given purpose. He was a member of the Fine Gold Men’s Ministry and Leadership Ministry of 40-Days of Purpose Christian Education. He loved God‚ family‚ and the Gospel.

Kevin loved people. He never met a stranger‚ because he would always make friends with everyone he’d come in contact with. He would make you love him. An avid sports enthusiast‚ he coached for Town of LaGrange Softball/Baseball League‚ Town of LaGrange Girls’ Basketball League‚ and Pop Warner – Hudson Valley Knights Football. He had a heart and passion for children‚ as they did for him. All he wanted was for them to learn proper skills and fundamentals‚ do their best‚ be their best‚ and have fun. Also‚ a win would be nice. He was often thought of as ‘The Gentle Giant’ or ‘The Big Teddy Bear.’

He leaves to mourn and cherish a host of great memories‚ his wife‚ Patricia Way-Townes; son Kevin Jr; daughters Jazmin‚ Blair‚ Rebecca‚ and LaToya; mother‚ Sylvia I. Townes; in-laws Rev. C.J. Way and wife Emma; brother-in-law Charles (Renee) Way; and many relatives‚ friends and colleagues.

He will be greatly missed. He touched so many in such a magnificent and extraordinary way.