My lost friend Gordon, You were the best. I could always talk to you. You have been through many relationships with me and you were always supportive. Sometimes, I came to get my glasses adjusted, but mostly to talk. I will miss you greatly. 
Your loving friend, 
Jan Baldwin

Dear Jim and the Townsend Family, 
We were deeply saddened by Mr. Townsend's unexpected death. He made glasses for four generations of our family for at least thirty years. He was truly a kind and gentle man of the old school. We valued his friendship and will miss him very much.

When my friend in San Antonio Irene Dolan told me yesterday that Gordon had passed away, we both shed tears. Gordon has been a very dear friend since I started calling on him as an optical representative in the early 80's. In my opinion, he was the finest optician in South Texas. And I should know since I called on all of them. I saw him this last summer and he made a very stylish pair of glasses at my request and mailed them to me here in Lubbock. Later, I called him to express my gratitude. During our conversation he told me that I was welcome to call him any time as I have several health issues myself which cause frequent depression. Gordon will be greatly missed by many people. We shall all miss his talents, skills and personality. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to all his family and friends. Sincerely - Chuck Marlow

Mr. Townsend was always so kind to our whole family. Both he and James always went out of their way to make sure we had the best glasses at an affordable price. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I will always remember visiting Mr. Townsend once a year to get my new glasses. He was my optometrist from the age of one, to my teenage years. When I was about seven or eight, I distantly remember telling him that I no longer wanted to wear glasses. When he asked why, I told him that this little boy at school called me ?four eyes? whenever I wore the glasses. Although I can?t remember what he told me to tell the little boy, I do remember taking his advice and scaring the mean kid away. From that time on, I always wore my glasses. I also remember how excited I was the next time I visited Mr. Townsend, to let him know that his advice worked, and that the little boy no longer bothered me. Mr. Townsend will surely be missed, but not forgotten.

Jim: How shocked and saddened we were to learn of Gordon's untimely death. We are genuinely sorry and want you to know that we love you and hope the very BEST for you and those whom Gordon loved in his life, reading this. We will SO miss him...How one never KNOWS that the last time you SEE a person may be just that: the last time you see them! You and Gordon had JUST filled my new perscription for my lenses less than a month ago and I had no idea Gordonw as ill. Prayers surround you during this time and just know that the Savior always keeps His sheep. Gordon will always be remembered for his LAUGH, h is professional courtesy to us, his clients, and you, his side kick, his compliment, for the tender outreach you gave to us all, to make us feel so special and loved. We love you, Jim. Gordon is with Christ. No spirit as loving and giving as his EVER passes the Savior's eye. Thus are you. Keep the dream; live on and know that the thoughts and prayers of those whom you know carry you during this difficult time. Our love and sympathy, 
Nancy and Robert Heller

Jim, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you have suffered a great loss as we all have loosing Uncle Buddy. He was always a bright star in our family and he will be missed a great deal. K.A.

Gordon was my optician for the past several years and was a delight to do business with. He was also one of the few people one could call "courtly" -- a gentle, cultured man, pleasant and interesting to talk to. I was deeply saddened to hear about his death and send my sincere condolences to his loved ones.

The most HONEST and sweetest man I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. 
 Rest in peace I know you you are with all the beautiful angels now! 
 With All my Love 
 your friends 
 carrie & Tony

Mr. Townsend fit six year old Scott for his first pair of glasses in 1974 when he had his practice on Fredricksburg Rd. 
 Gordon soon thereafter fit glasses for the whole family and became a trusted friend. He displayed kindness and genorosity in helping the Harris family with our optical needs. He was a master at his craft. He respected his customers and always took the time to make things fit and feel right. 
Thank You, Mr.Townsend. Rest in Peace

You were truly a great friend to me - I will never forget you. 
My love always, Jackie

Gordon made buying glasses fun. He was so meticulous and dedicated to making sure I was satisfied. We became close through the years and I looked forwarding to my time in his chair, as he fiddled with my glasses and we caught up. I will miss him greatly.

I will always have the memory of Gordon's cheery greetings, his smile and his professionalism. He was a remarkable and refreshing person.

We will miss seeing and visiting with Gordon. He was not shy about his opinions and frequently we learned from him as a result. Gordon could be relied upon to be a gentleman and a professional. 
Jim, please know you are in our thoughts and we hope to hear from you. Should you need us, you have our contact information.

I can remember going to Mr. Townsend as a child, when his office was off of 1-10 with my grandmother, Mrs. Old. He made glasses for my parents, myself, and my children. He will be missed. It is the end of an era. Jim, you are in my prayers.

Gordon Townsend dispensed my first pair of glasses back at Magnolia Optical. He was always there, on Magnolia and then on McCullough Avenue, taking care of his customers and friends. I will miss him.

We will miss Uncle Buddy very much. He was always so sweet and kind to us. Thank you Jim for taking such good care of him all of these years. We know you will miss him the most. 
All our love and sympathy, 
Donna & Robert

Dear Jim, 
Iwas stunned to read the paper today and see that Gordon had passed away. Please accept my deepest sympathy and my prayers for thw two of you. He truly was a warm and loving man and will be missed by all. Marie & Rebecca

Jim and the Townsend Family, Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of Gordon. He was a wonderful person who took a genuine interest in those he became acquainted with both on a professional and personal level. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Jay Pantusa 
Friend and former patient.

We love you Gordon! You were always so personable to me and my family. You always showed geniune interest in what my family of 4 boys and a girl were doing. It was always a treat to see you and Jim,even when I knew I would have a wait of an hour or so. No one every minded waiting for their turn, because we all knew that we would get outstanding service and a chance to talk with a friend for a few minutes. I cannot express how much you were loved and will be missed. Sincerely, Elizabeth, Patrick, Alfred, Matthew, Andrew and Mia Montalvo

Gordon was the best! He gave the best care in choosing and in fitting glasses. Gordon and Jim were so kind to our son Nathaniel in helping him get accustomed to glasses as an 11 year old now 28. My parents, Bill and Margaret Atkins, depended on Gordon's expertise. My parents were waiting in the store when Gordon suffered the stroke. After that,none of us were able to find anyone who knew as much or cared as much about fitting our glasses. "To do your job better than anyone else" must have been Gordon's motto. Bless him. Our condolences to Jim.

Gordon was a knowledgable professional man; a true credit to his profession. We were touched by his compassion, his gentle nature and his kindness. We are honored to call Gordon our Friend and we will truly miss him.

Gordon was truly a fine man and a good friend to all four of us. We will remember him for his bravery and courage in World War II, his dedication to his family and friends, and his caring for us beyond providing customer service. Evan and Nathan loved hearing his stories and were always reinforced by his advice to follow their dreams. He was simply one of the best, and there are only a handful of people who rate that high in our book. We will miss him, and we will keep Jim another one of the best in our prayers.

Gordon was a fine person and will be missed. It saddened my family & I to hear of his passing. Best wishes & Prayers for his family & Jim.

Life will never be the same without Uncle Buddy. He was a kind and loving uncle who always made me feel special each time I was with him or talked to him on the phone. My last conversation was very recent and my last memory of him is a happy one. We were expressing concern over other family members but we also shared a laugh or two. His laughter cheered every person he was around. He had also called to tell me he was so glad I stopped by to see him at work. His last words to me were,"You looked so pretty. He had a unique way of saying that word. Call me if you need anything at all and I promise to keep in touch more often." I said "okay. I love you, Uncle Buddy". Then he said, "I love you too, Dumplin'". He always called me Dumplin' for some reason. I will never forget you, Uncle Buddy. You are home now with our Lord who loves you more than any of us can possibly imagine. I know you are happy and safe. Thank you for being part of my life. I will miss you so very much.

OBITUARY

Gordon B. Townsend

September 11, 1925 – December 28, 2004

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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