Herbert Hawks Townsend was born February 3, 1932. The youngest son of William Lee and Olga Townsend who ranched between Manhattan and Belgrade. Herb attended school in Belgrade until he entered Montana State College in 1950. Herb was active in the college Beef Judging Team and a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.
Herb met his wife, Connie Niebel, in the 4th grade when they both attended Sunday School at the Christian Church in Bozeman, a friendship which grew into marriage soon after their graduations from MSU in 1954. Herb built many houses in these early years which helped put him through college and became loving homes for his family. The couple lived in Whitehall the first year of their marriage while Herb served as the agriculture extension agent for Madison and Jefferson Counties. They moved to Hamilton where Herb served as the associate county extension agent for Ravalli County.
With Herb’s main interest being working with livestock and especially the raising of beef cattle, they moved to White Sulphur Springs in 1956. He served as county extension agent until 1960, when they moved back to Bozeman while Herb obtained his Master’s degree at MSU in animal husbandry.
Returning to Meagher County, the couple ranched on Willow Creek for 27 years. All three of their children, sons Tod and Trent and daughter Teri, were raised on the ranch at Willow Creek. During this time, Herb helped establish four 4-H clubs, was a Mason and 50-year Rotary Club member in addition to serving on the local School Board for 13 years. Herb more recently served as a Meagher County Commissioner for 24 years.
In his pursuit of promoting Montana and the beef industry, Herb was an active member of the Montana Stockgrowers and served as Chairman of the Beef Committee, making two beef promotion trips to Japan. Together with Professor Dennis Winters and his wife Michelle, they formed “Montana Marketing Development,” an agriculture advocacy business in Butte.
Vacationing at Apgar in Glacier National Park for nearly 50 summers with the Grandes, Doggetts and many others created fond memories as their families grew throughout these years.
In 1989, Herb and Connie bought the Alf Edwards ranch and built a home on Four Mile Creek, where they lived for 24 years. The family went on to establish a feedlot and purchased land formerly known as the Whitetail Grazing Association. Their purchase, with their sons, of the original Willow Creek and Bailey ranches completed their acquisitions in the Smith River Valley. As a sideline, a vacation rental property and hunting camp were developed.
Herb’s unfaltering faith, love and support of his family was the focus of his entire life. When hard times demanded it, he could be found at 2 a.m. plowing a field or stacking bales. One Christmas Eve, after stacking the last round bale Herb was heard to exclaim “Merry Christmas! We’re done haying for the year!” Herb continued branding, moving and working cows until he was 93 years old.
Herb is survived by Connie, his wife of 71 years, his son Tod (Jane) Townsend, son Trent (Connie) Townsend, and daughter Teri (Mark) Ogle. Grandchildren Will (Shoni) Townsend, Clive Townsend, Becky (Josh) Middleton, Megan Ogle and Caden Ogle. At 93 years, the lights of his life were his great-grandchildren: Ember, Henry, Hazel, Rex and Josie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Herb Townsend Memorial Fund to support area youth in agriculture.
A visitation will take place Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10am-2pm at Mountain View Community Church, 16 E Alabama St., White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645. The service will begin at 2pm. Following the service, burial we take place at Mayn Cemetery, 4108 US 12, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645. A reception we be held at the Ambulance Station in White Sulphur Springs following the graveside service.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00am to 2:00pm
Saturday November 1, 2025
Mountain View Community Church
16 E Alabama Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Service
2:00pm
Saturday November 1, 2025
Mountain View Community Church
16 E Alabama Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday November 1, 2025
Mayn Cemetery
4108 US 12
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday November 1, 2025
Ambulance Service Station
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00am to 2:00pm
Saturday November 1, 2025
Mountain View Community Church
16 E Alabama Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Service
2:00pm
Saturday November 1, 2025
Mountain View Community Church
16 E Alabama Street
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday November 1, 2025
Mayn Cemetery
4108 US 12
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday November 1, 2025
Ambulance Service Station
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
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Kaye Stevenson says
Connie and family,
My sincere condolences to you all. One of my fondest memories of our life in White Sulphur Springs was your invitation to our young family as new residents beginning Ron’s teaching career and enjoying a wonderful dinner and experiencing what a cattle operation was all about. You did make us feel welcome which we appreciated.
Tami Strand says
Tod Jane Will Shoni Becky and the rest of the families, I am so sorry for your loss, but I know you are rejoicing as he is with the Lord. I have heard Will and Shoni speak of Herb and Connie often as he was always part of the everyday life on the ranch. I am sure he will be missed greatly so keep those memories going for years to come. Love Jeff Tami Strand
Roubie Younkin says
Your mom and dad were such positive figures in my life when I worked with Connie for the Stockgrowers. My sincere sympathy to you all. Their love was/is so real. Prayers