Robert Townsend

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

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