Wayne Townsend, senator who supported equal rights for women, dies

Wayne Townsend, a former Indiana state senator who cast an instrumental vote allowing Indiana to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, has died.

Townsend, 88, had amyloidosis, a rare disease affecting his heart.

A Democrat and hog farmer from Hartford City, Townsend was the 1984 Democratic nominee for governor, a race he narrowly lost to Republican incumbent Robert D. Orr.

He is known for his support of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1977, which passed the Indiana Senate by one vote.

The amendment, which sought equal rights for women, did not become law. Indiana was the last state to successfully ratify it.

"What choice did I have?" Townsend told the Indianapolis Star in January, reflecting on his political career. "You believe in the cause or you don't, and I did. The problem was, people saw ghosts that were not there."

Indiana Democrats mourned the loss of Townsend on Friday.

"Wayne was a solid family man, a farmer, and voice for all Hoosiers who was beloved by the people of his district and across the state," said Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson). "My heartfelt sympathy and sincerest thoughts are with his family during this time."

John Zody, chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, released this statement:

"On behalf of the Indiana Democratic Party, we all mourn the passing of Wayne Townsend. As a longtime state legislator, Sen. Townsend fought for what he knew could be a better state and nation. Whether it was equal rights, education, agriculture or sticking up for working families, Wayne Townsend was a quintessential Hoosier leader through-and-through. And although he was our Party's standard-bearer for governor in 1984, he led by example during his entire career in politics — and for the rest of his life. He was a legend, and we will all miss him. We send our heartfelt condolences to Helen and all of Wayne's family and loved ones."

Townsend served as a Purdue University trustee for 15 years. Purdue President and former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels also offered condolences.

"Indiana just lost a great citizen and one of our greatest Boilermakers," Daniels said. "On behalf of the entire Purdue family, I offer condolences to the Townsend family and sincere thanks for a lifetime of unsurpassed service."

Star columnist Matthew Tully contributed to this article. Call Star reporter Madeline Buckley at (317) 444-6083. Follow her on Twitter:@Mabuckley88.