Obituary of Robert Lee Townsend

Robert "Bob" Townsend, the son of William McKinley and Norma Elizabeth (Williams) Townsend, was born June 15, 1929, in Jasper County, Iowa. He attended newton schools. On February 28, 1948, Bob was united in marriage with Chrystal Fay Parsons in Marshalltown, Iowa. Bob served in the Iowa National Guard from 1948 – 1957. Bob worked for the Maytag Company in Newton, retiring after 42 years from the Maintenance Department. Bob never met a tool he didn't know or have. He enjoyed fishing, tinkering, making go karts and rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Bob was a down to earth, meat and potatoes man. He was a member of the Newton Masonic Lodge #59 AF & AM; the Shriners and the Kellogg Cemetery Association.

Bob died on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. He was 94 years old. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

Those left to honor Bob's memory include his wife, Chrystal; his daughter, Barbara Stuart; his son, William (Margie) Townsend; his daughter, Brenda Aldrich; his seven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; his great-great granddaughter; and his sister Velma Elkins.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 21st at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time Friday. Memorials may be designated, in Bob's name, to Our Silent City Cemetery and may be left at the funeral home.