Fred A. Townsend

Fred Arthur Townsend, 90, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023 in Des Moines, IA. Fred was born in Des Moines on August 16th, 1932 to Edwina Suzanne and Arthur Selby Townsend. Fred lived most of his life in Des Moines, though the Townsend family had a connection to the town of Albia, IA going back several generations.

Fred graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950. He attended Drake University, was drafted and spent time in Korea and Texas while in the Army. He married Barbara Bogue in 1958 and welcomed son Robert. They divorced in 1970. He then married Margaret Jensen Jones in May of 1971, welcoming her son Christopher and later their children Francis and Katherine. He was employed at Firestone for over 30 years and retired as a supervisor in the compounding department.

He enjoyed his family, church work, reading (especially WWII history), listening to classical music, playing music on his cornet and guitar, building models, tinkering with his model railroad layout, gardening, watching old westerns and having conversations with everyone. He was a long time member of the property committee and ushers for St. John’s Lutheran Church, season ticket holder of Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, and fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He had also joined a men’s breakfast group, Danish Brotherhood, and Sons of Norway lodges.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, son Robert Arthur Townsend of Des Moines, step-son Christopher Duncan Jones (Cindy) of Batavia, IL, Francis Dawson Townsend (Lisa Jwo) of Leesburg, VA, daughter Katherine Suzanne Reyes (Joel) of Des Moines, grandchildren: Robert Joseph Townsend, Amber Nicole Townsend, Jazmine Marie Townsend, Alexander Michael Jones, Benjamin Ryan Jones, Gabriela Ariana Reyes, Lorena Celeste (LC) Reyes and Eva LeeAnn Reyes, sister-in-law Brenda Lou Townsend of Urbandale, Margaret’s sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Selby Townsend, brother-in-law John Charles Marlor and sister-in-law Ardis Jensen Peterson.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 22 from 6-8 pm with the funeral on Tuesday May 23rd at 10am, both at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 6th Ave, Des Moines. The burial will be at a later date in the family plot in Albia, IA.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 600 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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