Richard Lee Townsend Jr.

Richard Lee Townsend, Jr, 69, passed away peacefully at his home in Indianola, IA on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 21, 2021, at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 - 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265.

Richard was born on November 5, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Anne Marie (Jaster) and Richard Lee Townsend Sr. He attended Des Moines East High School. Following high school, he worked for Babe’s Bar and Restaurant in Des Moines. He then worked, for over 20 years, as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Des Moines. Richard spent a lot of time at Lake Hatti with family in Minnesota growing up and as a young adult. This was one of his favorite places and always held a very fond place in his heart.

Richard was a loving and kind soul who would give anyone the shirt off his back. He was often compared and referred to as “Santa” due to his appearance even if he didn’t always like the reference. He loved to play the bear claw machines and give away the toys that he expertly won to children. Richard liked spending time fishing, taking long rides around Saylorville and Ahquabi lakes, talking to everyone and anyone he passed by, and spending time with family and friends. Richard took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Going to breakfast with his children and grandchildren was a great passion of his and he would try to go as often as he could.

Richard is survived by three children, son, Adam Townsend (Jennifer) of Indianola, Iowa, daughters, Ashley Townsend of Des Moines, Iowa and Arielle Harding (Nolan) of Des Moines, Iowa; grandsons, William Townsend and Domingo Zapta (Harding); and granddaughter; Norah Harding; sister, Cindy Genzen (Bill) of Des Moines, Iowa; and brother, Jack Townsend; along with many aunts, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doris Van Weelden; and brother-in-law, William Abbott.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Children and Families of Iowa.