Robert Bayard Townsend

Robert Bayard Townsend, 80 of Punta Gorda, Florida passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at his home. He was born on May 23, 1938 in Snohomish, Washington to Benjamin Townsend and Dorothy Stobb Townsend. Bob was a Veteran of the United States Navy. He worked for IBM for many years. In 1968, after returning from 2 years on the island of Guam he moved to Renton, WA later moving to Plano Texas, Atlanta Georgia, Boca Raton, Florida and then to Punta Gorda, Florida. Bob was a great family man and a loving husband and father. He married Esther Albin in 1959 and the couple had two children together, including Karen Blakely and Cynthia (Paul) O’Dea.

Bob was a social, active gentleman who was deeply involved in the Punta Gorda Elks for many years, serving as Exalted Ruler (PER) of Punta Gorda Elks Lodge No. 2606 from 2001 – 2002.

His family and friends will always remember him as a very caring and dedicated person.

Bob is survived by his loving family including his daughters, Karen Blakely Townsend of Punta Gorda, and Cynthia (Paul) O’Dea of Warner Robins, Georgia; four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his wife Esther on January 1, 2017.

Celebration Life Services will be at 10:00 am on Friday, February 1st, at Punta Gorda Elks Lodge, 25538 Shore Dr., Punta Gorda 33950.

Please visit www.coralridgefuneralhome.com to share in Bob’s Life Story and leave thoughts and memories for her family.