Lg Townsend

LG “Richard” Townsend was born in West Point, Mississippi, on October 17, 1946. He was the youngest of eleven children. His parents and his ten siblings preceded him in death.

He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Third Union Missionary Baptist Church in West Point, Mississippi. Also, at an early age he joined the Golden Bells Gospel group and traveled throughout the state.

At the age of 19, he moved to Chicago in search of better job opportunities. After a few years, he joined his sisters in Kansas City, Mo., and started working at Armour Meat Company. Later he was hired as a butcher at John’s Foodmart. He became the manager of the meat department at John’s Foodmart/John’s Applemart until they closed in 2006. He then worked as a butcher at Price Choppers until his retirement.

LG was very passionate about music. His music was influenced by the various Rhythm & Blues/Blues musicians he heard when he lived in Chicago. When he moved to Kansas City, he continued to enjoy listening to R&B and Blues Music. Eventually, he formed his band, “Richard Townsend and The Gotto Blues Band. He was recognized locally as a talented vocalist and bass guitar player.

He also loved the game of golf. He enjoyed playing golf on many golf courses in Kansas City and Harrisonville. He was a big Tiger Woods fan, and he watched him play whenever his game was on TV.

On June 15, 1996, he married the love of his life, Linda Jackson. They shared 27 blessed and wonderful years. On June 15, 2023, an angel touched him, and he slept.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Linda; sons, Donald (Carita) Kinsey, Richard Keith (Dionne) Townsend, Marcus McBride; daughters, Debra Malone, Nikki (Kevin) Kearney (stepdaughter); a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.