Townsley, Robert S., 88, retired pipe fitter, died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2002. Service 1 p.m. Wednesday, Westlink Christian Church. Mr. Townsley was born in Atlanta, Kan. and raised in Arkansas City. He graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1933. He then went on to Arkansas City Junior College where he played college football and basketball. He was so strong that his nickname was "Bear Paw." In 1936, Bob married the live of his life, Hazell Violet Gribble. They had two children Don and Jody. From that starting point, his family has grown to include six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and five great-great- grandchildren. Bob and Hazell traveled the world for his job with Bechtel Oil for whom he helped build things like refineries and power plants. He worked in many countries including the United States, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Belgium, South Africa, Indonesia, Columbia, Libya, Singapore and the Philippines. Bob was a member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the plumbing and pipefitting industry of the United States and Canada, local union, No. 171 for 61 years. Some things that the family would like everyone to remember about Bob were the things that were important to him. He was a staunch animal lover. He cared for his dogs like they were his children. He kept food out in his beautifully manicured yard for animals of all kinds from birds to squirrels to ducks. He had a fondness for growing his own vegetables and baking pies. He was a sports fanatic. Anyone who ever got to watch a sporting event with him knows that he was truly a fanatic. What a character! Bob was a firm believer in what he believed. He was always happy to have a heated discussion with anyone who was willing, from politics to religion. Bob was happy to argue his position whether to you directly or in the op-ed section of the Wichita Eagle, he was proud to have his opinion known. He was a strong man with strong opinions and a huge heart. He will be missed. Survivors: wife, Hazell; son, Don Gribble of Wichita; daughter, Jody Romero of Miami, Fla.; sisters, Peggy Townsley of Arkansas City, Margaret Butler of Newkirk, Okla., Betty Willison of Ponca City, Okla. Memorials established with American Diab