Robert B Townsend Jr.

June 17, 1962-April 4, 2021

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Robert B Townsend Jr. passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021 in Hartford, Arkansas.

Townsend was born June 17, 1962, to Robert B. Townsend Sr. and Tina Phelan Townsend. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a combat engineer for almost 30 years. He deployed numerous times to places such as Alaska, Montana, Missouri, New Mexico, Japan, Egypt, Afghanistan and many others. He served with many amazing service people who he was proud to call family. He was well-respected and admired for his leadership, friendship and ability to help others. He was awarded numerous medals and citations during his military career. After he retired in October 2012, he moved back to his home in Arkansas where he enjoyed the outdoors.

Townsend was an avid hunter and fisherman all of his life. He spent his last three summers fishing in Alaska and enjoying the great outdoors with his friends and family. He had several trophies on his walls such as bears, wolverines, bisons, deer and antelopes, with a story to be told for each one and for “the one that got away.”

Townsend was a devoted member of Abundant Life Church. He had a strong faith in God that he held close to his heart and enjoyed sharing with others. He was a generous man to those around him, a big man with a big heart and a wonderful laugh. He is greatly missed and loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sister, Kathy Freeman. He is survived by his daughter, Jessie Townsend, of Illinois; son, Robert Townsend, of Missouri; sisters Bobbie Bullard and Regina Rose; brothers Paul Townsend, Mike Townsend and Pat Townsend; his life partner, Shanna Squires-Roderick, of Anchor Point, Alaska; and many military friends he considered family members.

A memorial service was held in Hartford, Arkansas, on April 12, 2021, at the Abundant Life Church. His ashes will be spread at 2 p.m., July 31, 2021, on the Homer Spit.