Adrian Lamar Townsel

Adrian Lamar Townsel, age 58, passed away due to a sudden illness on June 2, 2024, in Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. He was born Feb. 12, 1966, in Oberlin, Ohio. Early in life, he was adopted by his grandparents, Mansuel Lee and Bertha N. Townsel. His parents were members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where Adrian received his religious foundation. His schooling was in Oberlin City Schools Eastwood Elementary and Oberlin High School where he played drums in the marching band. After high school, Adrian moved to Columbus, Ohio where he resided for most of his adult life working as a DJ. Adrian was married to Cheryl Tkach, and they later divorced and had no children. 

Adrian was passionate about participating in music and art, motorcycle-riding, dogs, and Star Wars films. He loved people and being with family and friends. One of his favorite things was a weekend trip to go with friends, in costume, to Star Wars Day in Columbus. Adrian’s entertaining personality included an off-beat sense of humor. He often joked, for example, that his brothers and sister were also his uncles and aunt. Adrian was a free spirit who created unforgettable memories for many people with whom he interacted or entertained. His friends recall him as “the life of the party” and a person who lived to his own, self-composed drumbeat. 

He was preceded in death by Rubinoff Townsel (biological father), his adopted parents, Mansuel and Bertha Townsel; his sister-Aunt Glenetta Townsel Hill; and brother-Uncle Gene Townsel, Sr. 

He leaves to mourn his death his brother/Uncle Lee Townsel (Patricia);1st cousins Tracie Hill-Taylor (Shawn); Cinque Hill; Shawndale Townsel Wilson (Allen); Gene Townsel, Jr. (Wanda); and Brandon Townsel (Tonya), Adrian’s former wife Cheryl Tkach, many additional cousins from the Townsel and Wilson sides of the family, and many friends and coworkers. His vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by them all. 

Cremation services provided by Newcomer Funeral Home Dayton,4104 Needmore Rd, Dayton, OH 45424 

Memorial Service Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 11:00AM- 3:00 PM 

Mt. Zion Fellowship Hall, 81 Locust St. Oberlin Ohio 44074