Tommy Townsend

Tommy was born on Sept. 29, 1927 in De Queen, Arkansas to Frederick Jackson “Fred” Townsend and Nannie (Chaillette) Townsend. He was the youngest of 14 children, all of whom preceded him in death.

At the age of 19, he enlisted in the United States Army. While in active duty during WWII, he worked as a photographer for the Panama Canal Department. Tommy was stationed in the Philippians and Korea. In the years following, he met and married Hazel Brewer on July 14, 1949.

Tommy is survived by his wife, Hazel, of 66 years. He is also survived by their four children: Michael R. Townsend, Sr. and wife Gwen, of Porter, Barbara D. Baldwin, and husband Jeff, of Edmond, OK, Janice M. Taylor and husband George, of Porter, and Patrick Townsend of Porter. Tommy and Hazel were blessed with 11 grandchildren: Michael R. Townsend Jr., Matthew A. Townsend, James E. Townsend, Kali D. (Taylor) Caserta, Kristi D. Taylor, Nicole “Nicci” (Baldwin) Bidaoui, Christian L. Brandenburg, Jeremy M. Baldwin, Kymberly (Townsend) Skelley, Emily D. (Baldwin) Brewer, and Aimee R. Townsend, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Tommy will be remembered as a very patriotic man who loved music. He also loved to play games with family and friends and telling jokes to make people laugh. Other hobbies included writing poems, going fishing, and peeling pecans.