Former Winnetonka High School Football Coach Lee Townsend, 82, Passed Away, Leaving Wife and Kids Heartbroken!

Lee leaves behind his wife of 55 years and 3 daughters.

December 18, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 18, 2026

Longtime Winnetonka High School teacher and coach, Lee Townsend, took his last breath on December 15, 2026, at the age of 82, in St Louis, Missouri.

His full name came from his step-grandfather, Carroll Gordon, and that is how he carried the name Carroll Lee through his life.

Lee Townsend is survived by his wife of 55 years, Phyllis, and their children: daughter Jeanna Woods and son-in-law John Woods, daughter Joanna Ehlers and son-in-law Robert Ehlers, and daughter Jaimee Vandenboogard.

He crossed paths with his wife, Phyllis, in 1968 while standing in line at the University of Missouri waiting to buy tickets for a concert by The Supremes.

A simple conversation started that day led to something much deeper.

Since they lived apart after that meeting, with Lee returning to St. Joseph and Phyllis to St. Louis, they kept their relationship alive through many handwritten letters exchanged over the miles.

Finally, after almost 2 years of dating, their long-distance relationship ended after they walked down the aisle on December 26, 1970.

Lee, who had a thing for spicy dishes, always appreciated the meals and baked goods that Phyllis prepared for him.

Their family grew when Jeanna arrived in 1976, followed by Joanna in 1979, and then Jaimee in 1983.

As a grandfather, he cherished his two grandchildren, Atlas James Ehlers and Elizabeth Rose Ehlers.

One of Lee’s favorite times came when his grandchildren stayed overnight, and they would all sit out on the deck enjoying ice cream together.

Beyond his immediate family, he left behind numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, close friends, and many former students.

Born on October 21, 1943, Lee, after graduating from high school, attended Northwest Missouri State, from where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Then, he continued his studies at the University of Missouri, often called Mizzou, and there he completed a Master’s Degree in Political Science.

During his time at the university, he helped a professor by translating articles written in Russian from various journals.

Lee Townsend spent 33 years at Winnetonka High School. (Image Source: )

For a lengthy period of time, i.e., 33 years, Lee taught classes at Winnetonka High School and also coached the football and track teams.

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Don Giannola, one of his well-wishers and fellow teacher, shared a tribute post, writing:

We lost one of our fellow teacher and coaches when Lee Townsend just past away. My prayers goes to his family and friends. Lee was my friend.

Besides teaching and coaching, faith played a significant role in his life. Lee stayed active at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Kansas City. There, he served both as a deacon and as a youth minister.

Outside of church, teaching, and coaching, Lee had several passions, including photography, weightlifting, travelling, and swimming.

Weightlifting became a serious interest, and at one point, he even set a record for the highest bench press in Maryville. Whereas swimming gave him relaxation.

Lee loved traveling as it opened up new experiences. He went on several family vacations and had several crazy experiences.

During their family vacations to Tybee Island in Georgia, Lee and Phyllis found themselves in danger during a powerful King Tide that nearly swept them away.

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On a trip to northern Michigan, he tumbled into a river while holding his prized Nikon camera. Whereas in Colorado, he came close to falling off a mountain trail.

The family went to several places; nonetheless, not every journey appealed to him equally; the trip out to the Farallon Islands ranked as one he liked the least.

All these adventures speak volumes that Lee lived life to its fullest.

Family members and friends are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life service planned for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Northminster Presbyterian Church located at 1441 NE Englewood Road in Kansas City, Missouri 64118.

Visitation begins at ten o’clock in the morning and lasts until eleven, with the service following right after at eleven o’clock

During this challenging time, we pray for the strength of Lee’s wife, kids, grandkids, and extended family.

Rest Easy, Lee Townsend!

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Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

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