John Rober "Big Robe" Townsend, 57, of Toledo, passed away December 25, 2022 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. John was born June 14, 1965 in Fort Walton Beach.
Left to forever cherish his memory are his sons, Aaron (Vontija) Townsend and Ian (Nicole) Townsend; daughter, Essence (Kashi) Johnson; 8 grandchildren, Nariah, Amour, Jada, Aaron Jr., Layla, Adonis, Kaziah, and Mahki; sister, Sente (Daniel) Stewart; mother of his children, Shelia Jones; mother, Cynthia Anderson; nephew, Shawn Townsend; niece Mary Jane Stewart; and special friend, Marquita Henry.
He graduated from DeVilbiss High School where he earned All-City and All-State honors in football, wrestling, and track. John attended Bishop College, HBCU in Dallas, TX where he played college football. Big Robe, as he was affectionately known throughout the city, was a kind, giving man who served as a father figure to many young men throughout the city. He was a proud member of the Local 500 Laborers Union where he helped build many notable construction projects throughout Northwest Ohio.
The family will receive guests Friday, January 6, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will begin Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice in John's memory.
To leave a special message for John's family, please visit www.NewcomerToledo.com