Thomas Michael Townsend

2020 at Doctor’s Regional Medical Center in Corpus Christi.

He lived most of his life in the Rio Grande Valley, Mission/Sharyland area, where

he was a successful lifetime businessman, farmer, & rancher.

Mike is survived by his six children, Barbara Barber, Cecelia Townsend, Dr.

Thomas Michael (Mike) Townsend Jr. (Kay), all of Corpus Christi, Joan

King ( Dr. Richard ) from Austin, Dr. Stephen Townsend (Jill) from

Hobbs NM, James Townsend (Kimberly) from San Antonio, & his ten

grandchildren: Joshua & David Barber ( Dr. Megan); Marnae Fults

(Jordan); Mikayla & Logan Townsend; Dr. Nicholas , Jennifer, &

Monica King; and Olivia & Molly Townsend. He is preceded in death by

his parents Charles and Virginia Townsend, Ramona Townsend, his

wife, and infant grandson, Walter Townsend.

Mike was born on March 20th, 1935 in McAllen, Texas to the late

Charles & Virginia Townsend. He attended St. Paul’s parochial school in

Mission, TX. and graduated from McAllen High School. He served as

the President of the local chapter of the Future Farmers of America.

During that time, he represented his chapter at the national convention

for parliamentary procedure. In 1956, Mike graduated from St. Mary’s

University in San Antonio, TX., with a BBA Degree in Marketing. He

was enrolled in the St. Mary’s ROTC program and upon graduation was

commissioned as a second lieutenant. He was promoted to captain

during his eight years with the McAllen Army Reserves, three of which,

he served as their commanding officer.

In 1956, Mike married Ramona Sowell and raised their six children on

North Taylor Road in Mission. He was part owner of Townsend

Implement Company and received multiple awards for outstanding

salesmanship. In 1967, Mike was elected to the Mission City Council

Place 1, served as president of the St. Paul’s Men’s Club, was Grand

Knight for the Knight of Columbus, where he served two years as

president. He served as a committee member of the Pastoral

Commission for the Diocese of Brownsville, and was an active member

of the Mission Kiwanis International, where he enjoyed starting the

meeting off with his favorite song “For We Love Our Valley Home.” He

looked forward every morning having breakfast & drinking coffee with

his friends at a local restaurant.

friends, eating BBQ chicken thighs, drinking margaritas, and capturing

his audience with interesting stories. During the seasons, he would

harvest the bounty for family and friends. Mike was happy and at home.

Mike was an avid hunter in South Texas, but he also enjoyed the

chance of hunting pheasants in South Dakota, & the ever elusive elk of

Unit 76 in Colorado. He made time fishing the lakes and rivers of

Colorado, while admiring the scenic views, casting a pistol Pete fly

behind a bobber, and hoping for a nice rainbow trout. However, his most

prized and cherished possession is his ranch in LaSalle County, Texas.

He looked forward going to his ranch, to feed and watch the wildlife,

and to connect with the land. He appreciated what the land produced and

maintained. Mike enjoyed sitting around the campfire with family &The Townsend family would like to acknowledge a sincere gratitude to

the healthcare professionals at Doctors Regional Medical Center &

Wooldridge Place Nursing Center for the devoted care they gave our

father.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions, a private family graveside committal

service was held at Valley Memorial Gardens, located at 3601-3611

North Taylor Road, Mission, Texas 78573. Father Roy Snipes, OMI, of

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Mission, officiated.