Albert Irvin Townsend

Albert Irvin "Irv" Townsend died peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on December 9, 2010 after a short battle with lung cancer. Irv was born in Graham, TX to Weston Leonard Townsend and Ruby Martin Townsend on 9/27/36. He was a 1954 graduate of Midland High and he attended the University of Texas before joining the U.S Marine Corps in 1956. After serving honorably in the military Irv started his life-long career in the oil business. He began by working for Honolulu Oil Company. He then opened his own business, first in Andrews, then Snyder and Abilene. Irv, formerly of the Townsend Company, is currently a partner of Texas Operating and Consulting, LLC. The oil business was one of Irv's passions and he knew every facet of the industry. Irv was a member of the Wylie Baptist Church and took comfort from his faith. He also served a term on the Wylie School Board. Irv had many hobbies and excelled at most. His favorite was flying until he discovered golf. He believed golf instilled both honor and integrity - a true gentleman's game. Irv was preceded in death by his father, Weston Leonard Townsend and his mother Ruby Martin Townsend Schooler and his beloved step-father Felton Schooler. Irv is survived by his wife Evelyn Thetford Townsend and his four children - Kelly Townsend and husband John Collums of Abilene, Toni Rodriguez of Uvalde, Kimberly Williams of Buchanan Dam, and Dewey Townsend and wife Traci of Abilene. He is also survived by grandchildren Marcos Reyes, Alexandra Dockter, Taylor and Cole Townsend, Maddie, Jake and Gus Davis all of Abilene. Irv would also want mentioned numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins all whom he cherished. Pallbearers will be Max Overman, Charles Brown, Marvin Lorenz, T. A. Watson, Phillip Arledge, Bobby Duncan, Robert Terry, and Royce Heller. Honorary pallbearers will be Irv's golfing buddies and life long friends. Memorials may be made to Wylie Baptist Church Building Fund, Hospice of the Big Country, or Rescue the Animals SPCA. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the doctors of Texas Oncology and Hospice of the Big Country and the many friends who have lent their support through this difficult time. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 13, at Wylie Baptist Church officiated by Dr. Jess Fletcher and Pastor Lee Fuller. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd.