OBIT: Robert Leland “Bobby Lee” Townsend (South Bend Township)

Robert Leland “Bobby Lee” Townsend, 75, of South Bend Township, passed away Friday, December 5, 2014 at ACMH Hospital, surrounded by his family, following a two-year battle with cancer.

He was born June 27, 1939 in Kittanning, the son of Robert S. and Janet R. (Smith) Townsend.

Bobby Lee was a member of the Operator Engineers Local Union #66 and worked as a heavy equipment mechanic until his retirement. He was also a member of St. Jacob’s United Church of Christ in South Bend.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan (Schaeffer) Townsend, whom he married August 5, 1960; daughter, Debbie Jamison and husband, Barry, of Shady Plain; daughter-in-law, Marlene (Cox) Townsend, of Shady Plain; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; twin brothers, Ronald Townsend and wife, Karen, and Donald Townsend and wife, Inez, all of South Bend; sister, Barbara Goldstrom, of New Kensington; brothers-in-law, Harry Schaeffer and wife, Nancy, of Ford City, and Ken Schaeffer and wife, Viv, of Elderton; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Bobby Lee was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rick Townsend, who died July 9, 2014; infant brother, Douglas; and brother-in-law, Robert Goldstrom.

There will be separate visitations for the Townsend and Polof families.

The Polof family will be received from 12-2 PM on Monday, December 8, 2014 at the Clark Chapel Funeral Home in Elderton.

The Townsend family will be received from 4-7 PM on Monday, December 8, 2014, at the funeral home, where funeral services will follow at 7 PM with the Reverend Herman Ridley officiating.

To leave a condolence for Bobby Lee’s family, visit: www.bauerfuneral.com.