Thomas G. Townsend

Retired America West Airlines Captain Thomas “Tommy” Townsend, age 74, passed away peacefully in the Cedar Pastures Care Home, Chandler, Arizona on Monday, June 24, 2019 in Chandler, Arizona after his 5 year battle with Dementia/Alzheimers. He had been under the care by Hospice of the West and Cedar Pastures the past 9 weeks.

Thomas Gifford Townsend was born on his father’s birthday January 23, 1945 in Port Arthur, Texas to James Cade Townsend and Elinor Gifford Townsend. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, Port Arthur, Texas in 1963. Thomas attended Lamar University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration receiving the Outstanding Student Award. Following, he attended University of Arkansas where he received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Thomas entered the U.S. Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1968 receiving the Distinguished Naval Graduate Award, National Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal. Thomas held various positions including three years as a multi-engine flight instructor/check airman for instrument flying and carrier landing phases as a Naval Aviator Landing Instructor on the P3, A4, S2, T28 & T34. He instructed on the Lexington Carrier based in Corpus Christi, Texas and Pensacola, Florida. For 6 months he was stationed in Iceland and Norway tracking nuclear subs before LTJG Thomas Townsend was honorably discharged in 1976.

From 1976 – 1978 Thomas was an Academics Instructor in Business Administration at the Owensboro, Arkansas Business College. During this time, he was also the Vice President and General Manager for Air Control Services, Inc. until he became the Director of Flight Crew Training for Scheduled Skyways in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1979. He was responsible for the ground schools, flight training and check rides with fifteen aircraft and 150+ pilots until 1984.

As an Assistant Professor for Embry-Riddle Worldwide Aeronautical University's three campuses in the Greater Phoenix area, Thomas taught 6 distinctive Airline Management and Safety Courses between 1986 – 1989, resuming again in later years. In 1984 Thomas moved to Phoenix, Arizona to become a Boeing 737 Line Captain with America West Airlines who had just been in business one year. He remained a Captain until the FAA Mandated Age 60 Ruling forced him to hang up his wings. On January 21, 2005 Thomas flew his last Boeing 737 from Kansas City, Missouri to Phoenix, Arizona with his eldest son Troy as his First Officer Co-pilot at America West Airlines. They were both honored that day to fly the last 737-200 aircraft that was scheduled to be retired from the America West fleet on that same day.

During his tenure at America West Airlines, Thomas served as a Boeing 737 Standards Captain, 737 Senior Check Airman, 737 Check Airman, and 737 Line Captain. He continued to serve three more years as the 737 Flight Standards Manager before bidding his final goodbye. His passion to continue helping others in the aviation industry was fulfilled by helping his youngest son James and others to pursue their flying interest. He returned to Embry-Riddle teaching for three more years and taught an aviation program in the Phoenix inter city high school. He enjoyed part-time as a courtesy van driver for Toyota of Tempe, and Transitions of Arizona, Phoenix.

At the encouragement of his wife, Thomas took up his desire to purchase and drive an open wheel high performance competition Continental Club Formula race car. Continuing with his acquired adrenaline rush, this was the next best thing to flying. Thomas was instrumental in forming a class at the local Phoenix Firebird Race Track. After becoming more competitive, he began to race in New Mexico and California setting new track records and winning National Championships. His son James was his Crew Chief and family became the pit crew.

At an early age Thomas began to have the desire for speed, with his father being a nationally known hydro-plane boat racer and the Grand National Champion. Thomas and his best friend Bud Byram began racing their own boats until they departed for their military careers. His other lifelong interests were attending car shows, air shows and hydroplane races and stopping at each airport during his over the road travels, attending the Arizona Cardinals football games and watching John Wayne movies. The last three years he had found his new interest singing the Eagles songs at the American Legions Karaoke nights, usually 2 -3 times a week, and always dedicating the first song “to his bride” by singing their wedding song “Forever” by Alabama.

Thomas was actively involved in the American Legion the past 3 years and enjoyed being able to volunteer or partake in the many stories shared by the other veterans. Tom was chosen to be the 2016 Navy Marshall in the Annual Mesa Veterans Day Parade. He attended the last two years as an escort to the American Legion Post 26 Commander. As a member of the America West Airlines Retiree Cactus Club, Thomas enjoyed attending the monthly get together’s where he could continue to see his airline family and listen to them retell the many “Tommy Stories”.

Thomas and Linda Jewell Hutchison were married on the Mississippi River "Spirit of Dubuque" Riverboat, Dubuque, Iowa on July 20, 1996. They renewed their wedding vows at Cedar Pastures, on May 16, 2019 with Charles House, Officiant.

Thomas is survived by his wife Linda of 23 years. His first marriage to Nancy Bushnell blessed them with two children, and Thomas is survived by their daughter Terra Michelle (Stephen) Merrell, Georgia, Grandchildren Jessica Merrell, Florida, Lindsey Wells, Allison Wells and Teddy Merrell, Georgia. Their son Troy Townsend (Kaitlin) and Grandsons Cooper and Grayson, South Carolina. Thomas marriage to Carol Ann Goodman, blessed them with one son James Townsend (Toni) and Grandson Caleb Dannenburg, Phoenix, Arizona. Linda’s Daughter Stacy Andree (Todd) and Grandson Ryan, Chandler, and Son Bret Hutchison, Queen Creek, Arizona.

Thomas is survived by his Sister Tana (Don) Hightower, Niece Ginger (Karl) Carlton, their two daughters Lauren and Jillian, Nephew Steven (Erica) Hightower and their two sons Carter and Cade, all of Katy, Texas. One remaining step brother Jim (Pat) Hebert and family, Maryland. Sister-in-Law Debra (Darrell) Peska and family, Brother-in-Law Michael Jewell all from Iowa, Brother-in-Law Gordon (Cheryl) Jewell, Wisconsin and Brother-in-Law Mark Jewell, Phoenix. In addition to many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the country.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, step father Cliff Hebert and step-brother John Hebert and his wife Sarah, father-in-law and mother- in- law Harley and Meredith Jewell. Thomas and Linda are members of the Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe, Arizona.

VISITATION: Monday Evening July 8th from 6-8 P.M. at the Mesa Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 South Dobson Road, 85202.

Celebration of Life continues at the Mortuary on Tuesday, July 9th at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Audrey Washington, officiating. Military Rites will be conducted at 12:30 P.M. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Road/Loop 101, Phoenix 85024.

PALLBEARERS: Troy Townsend, James Townsend, Steven Merrell, Teddy Merrell, Todd Andree, J.R. Ruzicka, Steven Dinkins, and Caleb Danenburg. Honorary pallbearers are young grandsons: Cooper Townsend, Grayson Townsend and Ryan Andree.

Please join us following the military rites at 2:00 P.M. for a meal at the Mesa American Legion Pablo J. Cortez Post 26 at 505 West 2nd Ave./Country Club Drive, Mesa, 85210, as we all enjoy sharing our individual "Tommy Stories".

Please continue to join the family and friends as we conclude the celebration at 6:00 P.M. by sharing in Tom's love for Karaoke at the Legion Post with KJ Host Chuck House. We will begin by joining in together to honor Tom by singing his favorite tribute song to "His Bride" their wedding song "FOREVER" by Alabama. Such a perfect way to end the day.♡

Linda and the family wish to thank everyone for their many expressions of love and gratitude you have shown to them. “We have all been truly blessed and continue to be so proud of the man that he was to so many”.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations. It was Thomas and Linda’s wish to have scholarships set up through Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and the America West Airlines Retirees Cactus Club. In addition, they wish to donate individual funds to the Mesa Veterans Day Parade Committee, and thank the Hospice of the West, Cedar Pastures, and The Alzheimer’s Association.

• The wooden cross Thomas is holding was crafted from the wood of the hydroplane racing boat he had designed and had been attempting to build in his garage for several years. A big thank you goes to Emil Jansky, Phoenix, for his woodworking craftsmanship and for making a cross for each of our families to be treasured in remembrance.