David Townsend Obituary

David C. Townsend, 73, of Clarion passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospital.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
David Clifton Townsend II was born in Tampa, Florida. His early years were spent living in the Naples, Florida area and helping his dad with his commercial fishing business. It was there that he developed his love of water and fishing. Dave was a certified scuba diver. He would keep us entertained with his stories about growing up in South Florida. Dave finished his high school years in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he graduated from a vocational high school as a mechanic. He could work on just about anything that had an engine.
After working for a while, Dave enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Lowery AFB in Denver, Colorado. It was while in Denver that he met Jane. Both Dave and Jane admit it was love at first sight. They were married on May 1st, 1976. During their 49 years of marriage, they shared many adventures. Including the birth of their two sons, Michael and Patrick. David was so proud of his boys.
Dave had many hobbies and interests. He loved aviation, had his private pilot's license, and took his sons to the large air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin every year while they were growing up. Dave also enjoyed pistol matches and won several ranked contests. Fishing was always a favorite pastime. He enjoyed the trips to Grand Marais, Minnesota, and all the lakes in the area to trying to catch that elusive "walleye".
Dave also enjoyed helping doing farm work. We all had radios to communicate. Everyone had a call name. When you heard "Quick Draw," you knew it was Dave being paged.
The last three years he enjoyed being with his grandson CJ. Grandpa loved coloring and playing with Play-Doh. Another favorite was playing Hot Wheels on the floor with CJ.
During the winters after he retired you could find him 4 wheeling in the desert around Mesa, Arizona.
Dave will be remembered for his love of family and his service to this country. He had a great sense of humor and could make all who knew him laugh whether it be a story about his life adventures or a quick, humorous response to a comment. He enjoyed his "Yes Way Curb Crew" coffee group, where many whoppers were told, for sure.
Dave was a kind and honest man, loved by many. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Dave is survived by his wife, Jane Townsend of Clarion, Iowa; his children Michael (Jenniliee) Townsend of Fairmont, Minnesota, and Patrick (Kristina Marshall) Townsend of St. Paul, Minnesota. Sisters Lynda Townsend Wheeler of Sarasota, Florida, Diane Townsend Hoffman of Pensacola, Florida. Grandson Clifton James (CJ) Townsend of Fairmont, Minnesota.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, David C Townsend Sr. and Mary Wright, Duane and Ruth Olson.