Richard Charles "Sarge" Townsend

 

Richard Charles "Sarge" Townsend, 78 of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away at 10:33 p.m. Friday September 4, 2015 at Marigold Rehab and Health Care Center in Galesburg. He was born May 20, 1937 in Silvis, Illinois, the son of Phillip Wells and Mable Taylor Townsend. On September 28, 2004, he married Sandra Hargrave. She preceded him in death on August 18, 2011.

 Mr. Townsend served 22 years in the United States Army, and saw several tours in Vietnam. Following his military career, he was employed by Rock Island Lines Railroad in Silvis, and later Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad in Burlington, Iowa. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his friends.

Survivors include three daughters, Ariane Lehr of Germany, Bianca Forbes of Geneseo, IL, Melinda Darlene Townsend of North Carolina, two sons, Richard A. Townsend and Michael Townsend of Geneseo, IL, and five sisters, Mary Kissell of East Moline, IL, Darlene Wood of Cassopolis, MI, Shirley Roberts of Niles, MI, Pat Pence of Calhoun, GA and Irene Bachman of Galesburg, IL, and his caregiver, Rose Oxley of Wapello, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and eight brothers and sisters.

The graveside service with military honors for Mr. Townsend will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday September 10, 2015 at Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock, Island, Illinois. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com.