Richard Townsend, 79, of Newburgh, Indiana, formerly of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away at 2:48 a.m. Friday, July 31, 2026.

Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Midge; one son, Dickie Townsend; his parents, A. C. Townsend and Jeanette Townsend Caudill; his sister, Vinetta "Butch" Kramer; and his stepbrother, Bouncer Caudill.

He is survived by his wife, Bobbi, his daughter, Kimberly Smith (Jeff) of Owensboro, Kentucky; his son, Timothy (Daneen) of Henderson, Kentucky; his stepsons, Kent Toole (Lisa) of Helena, Alabama, Kirk Toole (Ann) of Springville, Alabama, and Kristoffer (Katrina) Toole, of Jersey City, New Jersey.

He is further survived by his grandchildren, Brittany Murphy (Justin) of Newburgh, Indiana, Tabatha Chinn of Evansville, Indiana, Belle Townsend (Ceirra) of Frankfort, Kentucky, and Grayson Townsend of Henderson, Kentucky; and two great-grandsons, Hudson Murphy and Miles Murphy; his stepgrandchildren, Alex Toole, Emily Toole, and Riley Toole, all of Birmingham, Alabama, and Isabella Toole and Wyatt Toole, both of Helena, Alabama; and his brothers, Jeff Caudill (Connie) of Sturgis, Kentucky, and John Caudill (Elise) of Morganfield, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.

Richard spent more than 40 years in administration in the coal industry, beginning his career at Pyro Mining Co.  He began a 33-year tenure at MAPCO Coal/Alliance Coal beginning at Webster County Coal.  He advanced to the position of Administration Manager for the Central Region, assisting with administration issues for the 4 operations within the Central Region.

He retired from Alliance Coal in September 2005.  After retirement, Richard did freelance work in mineral leasing.  He was active with the Kentucky Mining Institute, serving on their board for 20 years.  He was named their Coal Man of the Year for the year 2007.  Richard was also a board member of the Indiana Coal Mining Institute, serving as their president in 2007.

Richard enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attending their sporting events.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed woodworking.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.  The Reverend Dan Lamey will officiate.  Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.