In the early morning hours of Sunday, April 24th, Dale Leroy Townsend of Scottsbluff went to his eternal home after a courageous battle with cancer. Dale was born October 21st, 1952 to Raymond and Margret (Oliver) Townsend in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He received his formal education through Scottsbluff Public Schools.
Growing up a bit of a free spirit, Dale could often be found doing all the things a male of the 50’s 60’s and 70’s would do. Stories often circulate about Dale being sent home from school smelling of skunk, as he checked his traps before school. Other stories include cherry bombs exploding in the pickup and a tea cup with a fake frog in the bottom. Later in life Dale’s stories were often all about his dogs and the joy and entertainment they provided him.
Dale met and married Donna June Blacksher in 1972, and from this union Beverly Ann, Rebecca Sue, and Brenda Kay were born. When the marriage was dissolved, Dale became a single dad, devoted to teaching and providing for three girls 14 and under. Dale was a great example and taught his girls and many others the meaning of hard work, honesty, and a love for God.
For over 60 years Dale could be found building everything from homes, including many of his own, to hardwood floors, furniture, and cabinets. If you could think it, he could build it. His talent and knowledge came naturally and he was always willing to share it with others. His last project was completed in October 2021.
Above all Dale found comfort and hope always in his faith of Jesus Christ. He read the bible and attended meetings as long as possible both in person and via phone. Through his faith he was blessed with many, many friendships that lasted and grew. These friends became his hunting and fishing buddies, enjoying the companionship and the bounties they often brought home. There were always stories to share, good and bad.
Dale is survived by his father Raymond Townsend of Scottsbluff, NE; two brothers, Albert (Sheri) Townsend of Buffalo, WY and Ray Lynn Townsend of Scottsbluff, NE; three daughters, Beverly Townsend (Andy Fintelmann) of Loveland, CO, Rebecca (Todd) Garner of Parker, CO, and Brenda (Jason) Haslow, of Scottsbluff. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, two nieces, one nephew, 2 great nieces, 3 great nephews, and many cousins. He leaves behind a large group of amazing friends to whom we are eternally grateful.
He is preceded in death by his mother Margret Townsend, niece Heather Townsend, nephew Christopher (Chrissy) Townsend, Grandson Shane Van Winkle and two great grandchildren.
Service will be held at the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds Mitchell Event Center at 10AM, Saturday April 30th. Burial will be at Mitchell Valley Cemetery.
One of Dale’s greatest joys was to feed those his loved; in honor of him and his generosity, there will be a lunch provided after the graveside service. For those that would like to contribute, please bring a dessert to share. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to GI Cancer Research Fund at University of Colorado Anschutz medical campus, in Dale’s honor. Fond memories and condolences for the Townsend Family may be shared at www.dugankramer.com.
