to Walter and Evelyn Townsley. Two older uncles lived with family, and his younger sister Charlann completed the household.

   Dick had an outstanding youth, participating in a wide range of athletics and

many other activities. His high school years were packed full, as he played football, basketball, swam, and was on the track team and a local gymnastics team. He was also president of his junior and senior classes.

   Following his graduation from Clinton High School in 1948, he studied for two

years at Iowa State University. Likely influenced by the two uncles who had lived

with the family and who had both served in the Army during World War II, Dick

sought a military career. Accordingly, he was appointed to West Point by

Congressman Henry O. Talle of Iowa’s 2nd District. Entering on July 5, 1950 with the Class of 1954, Dick was assigned to Company E-1. A popular cadet, he was

especially known for his gymnastic ability, his determination to succeed, and his

strong friendships. His appreciation for languages was evident in his membership

in the Russian, Spanish, and French clubs. He was also active in the Debate Council and the Ordnance Club.

   In the spring of 1954, Dick met Marjorie Bohne of Ridgewood, NJ, a freshman at Ladycliff College. Dick was a short-term patient at the West Point Hospital at the time, and Marge and a friend were visiting someone else. The immediate chemistry between the new acquaintances had long term results. They spent much time together prior to Dick’s rapidly approaching graduation and during the extended leave that followed. Following that leave, Dick attended the Basic Infantry Officer Course at Fort Benning, GA but headed right back to New Jersey immediately afterward.

   Dick and Marge were married in Ridgewood on December 20, with fellow E-1ers Joe Devlin, Fletch Buckley, and Jim Miller in the wedding party. With the Ranger Course about to start, their honeymoon essentially consisted of the

drive back to Fort Benning.

   Following Dick’s Ranger qualification, the couple remained at Fort Benning as

Dick commenced his initial troop assignment with the 3rd Infantry Division.

Commencing married life, “joining” the Army, and setting up a new home in the

1955 South posed a special challenge to the new bride that she happily accepted. Their first two children, Richard Jr. and Michael, were born during this tour.

   Dick next served in Munich, Germany during 1956–60 with the 10th Infantry

Division and the 46th Armored Infantry Battalion. Dick, Marge, and the kids loved the assignment and traveled as much as money and time would allow.

Their daughter, Kimberly, joined the family during that time.

   The family returned to Fort Benning in 1960 for Dick to attend the Infantry

Career Course, with their final child, Peter, joining the family before their move to a three-year ROTC assignment at West Virginia University.

   Dick next had a 13-month unaccompanied tour in Korea with the 1st

Cavalry Division, while the family returned to Ridgewood.

   Following a short assignment at Fort Ord, CA, Dick was sent to Vietnam to

serve in the 9th Division during 1966–67. Although wounded by a mine during

that tour, he completed his tour before what became his terminal assignment

at Fort Bliss, TX. Following treatment at nearby William Beaumont Hospital, Dick was medically retired as a major on the saddest day of his life. For ready access to a hospital and needing to pursue new careers in a familiar area, the Townsleys remained in the El Paso area.

   Dick went back to college at UTEP, earning a business degree and then a

graduate degree in accounting, receiving the latter in 1978. At the same time,

Marjorie received a master’s degree, and Richard Jr. received his undergraduate

degree. Accounting and math in general were longtime interests.

   From there Dick worked for an accounting firm and taught part-time at the community college, eventually teaching all phases of accounting as a full-time college professor. He found that especially enjoyable.

   Along with the teaching, Dick was the senior accountant for several small

companies, an added responsibility that filled many of his evenings. However, as

a dedicated family man and avid sports fan, Dick never missed a sports event in

which his kids participated and didn’t miss a UTEP home basketball game in

over 30 years.

   Dick taught his kids to follow his example by enjoying their relationship with all others and treating them with kindness and respect, and he also taught them to stand up for what they believe. His calm and thoughtful demeanor was

reassuring to others. His love for Marge and their kids seemingly had no bounds.

   Dick died on December 20, 2011, his and Marge’s 57th wedding anniversary, the saddest day of her life.

   To his family, Dick was a success in whatever he did as a husband, a father, as an American, and as a Christian. A tribute to Dick by one of his sons emphasizes that point thusly:

   “I know in my heart that I witnessed greatness in my life in watching my father embrace life’s joys and burdens with utmost passion, love of family, bravely, and with humility. This gift, earned by my father, brings me life’s greatest lesson.”