Robert Townsend
February 22, 2010
Bob Townsend, 82, passed away peacefully from complications of chronic kidney disease surrounded by his loving family on Monday evening, February 22, 2010 at his home. The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 26, 2010 at the Altoona United Methodist Church, 602 5th Avenue SW, with burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Bob was born August 15, 1927 in Des Moines to Ray and Mary Townsend. He invented and manufactured the T-51 printing press and sold it throughout the world as President of Townsend Industries in Altoona. He was a member of: King David Masonic Lodge, Des Moines Consistory, Za Ga Zig Shrine, Iowa Saddle Bred Horse Hall of Fame, and Southeast Polk Hall of Honor.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Sharon; his children: Linda (Dennis) Cox-Townsend, Carol Lawson, and Deb (David) Townsend-Lind; his step-children: Suzanne (Duane) Cantrell, Jenny Lee, Rachel (Steve) Ridgway, Rebecca (Roy) Slootheer, and Russ (Jody) Stagner; his brother, Ray Townsend; his sister, Joy Larson; 22 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Andrew; his son-in-law, Dan Lawson; and ex-wife Shilo Townsend.
Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the church. The family will be present from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southeast Polk Dollars for Scholars or the Altoona Public Library in loving memory of Bob.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Tancy Colburn Becker
02/26/2010
Deb,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad's death. He was part of the "horse-show dad" group that I remember so fondly.
With sympathy,
Tancy Colburn Becker
Constance Hernandez-Limke
02/25/2010
Sharon and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing.
Your family was always such a delight to see at our restaurant and at the Casino!
Please know you are all in our hearts & prayers.
The Raul Hernandez Family
Raul, Jackie & Connie
Ann & Phil Williams
02/24/2010
Sharon, Becky and family,
We are sorry for your loss. When we think of Bob, we remember a kind and loving man who always made you feel special. We feel lucky to have known him. You are all in our thoughts.
Ann and Phil Williams
Jeff Boehlert
02/25/2010
Deb & Dave:
I'm stuck out of town this week and just learned of Bob passing. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man with a big heart, no doubt touching many lives in a positive way.
I remember vividly his generous hospitality to our office one summer picnic afternoon. Thank you for sharing him with us.
My deepest condolences. Even though I will not be able to celebrate and remember his life with you during the services planned, please know that you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers in a special way.
May he rest in peace, may you hold firmly in your hearts fond memories of Bob and may you find consolation and support in the knowledge that life does not end with our physical death, it only changes.
God bless.
With deepest condolences,
Jeff & Beth Boehlert
Darcy
02/23/2010
I will be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob was very special and a great friend.