Robert William Townsend

Robert William "Bob" Townsend, 77, passed away at 3:16 p.m., Monday, March 16, 2026, surrounded by family at his home in Zeigler.

Bob was born on February 25, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois to William Townsend and Billie (Jarvis) Travis. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Margaret Susan Tatar, on March 14, 1969, in Joliet, Illinois. Together, they recently celebrated 57 years of marriage.

A 1967 graduate of Zeigler-Royalton High School, Bob graduated from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned his B.S. in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Biology Education. He worked for 13 years as a coal miner at Freeman United Orient No. 6 and Inland Steel Coal mines. He later returned to Zeigler-Royalton High School, where he taught special education, biology and earth science until his and Margaret's retirement in 2007. Bob also served as assistant golf coach for the Zeigler-Royalton-Christopher boys and girls golf teams with Coach Joe Hargraves.

Bob was a skilled craftsman. He loved spending time outdoors, whether he was hunting, fishing, or golfing. Bob also enjoyed playing pinochle with friends at the Royalton Shack.

Bob is survived by his wife, Margaret Susan Townsend of Zeigler; one son, James William Townsend of Dallas, TX; one daughter and son-in-law, Beth Ann Townsend (Eric Schnyder) of Fenton, MO; two sisters, Moria (Gary) Benard of Coello and Pam (David) Bundalo of Crown Point, IN; one brother, Randy (Kelly) Travis of Valparaiso, IN; one brother-in-law, John M. (Terese Mayo) Tatar of Zeigler, and step-father, Brooks Travis of Crown Point, IN. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Bob is preceded in death by his father, William Townsend; mother, Billie Travis and brother, Greg Travis.

Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Royalton with Fr. Eusebius Mbidoaka officiating. Inurnment will follow at Zeigler Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the "Zeigler Library Foundation" or to "St. Aloysius Catholic Church". Envelopes will be available at the church on the day of the service.

Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home of Zeigler is entrusted with the arrangements.