Herbert Hawks "Herb" Townsend
February 3, 1932 – October 23, 2025
Early Life & Education
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. He 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.
A Life in Agriculture & Service
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. 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.
Promoting Montana Agriculture
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.
Family & Legacy
All three of their children, sons Tod and Trent and daughter Teri, were raised on the ranch at Willow Creek. 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.
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.
Survived By
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.