84R11457 WG-D
By: Anderson of Dallas H.R. No. 1189
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Lone Star State lost a respected educator with
the death of former Irving Independent School District
superintendent Dr. John F. Townley, who passed away on December 31,
2014, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Born in Paducah on February 9, 1927, to John and
Martha Townley, John Townley answered his nation's call to duty
with his service in the U.S. Army; he was a graduate of Weatherford
Junior College, Texas Wesleyan University, and The University of
Texas; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Townley began his career in education in 1952 in
the Everman Independent School District, where he served as a
teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent; he later led the
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo and Taylor school districts before joining the
Irving ISD as superintendent of schools in 1970; over the course of
his exemplary 15-year tenure in that post, as in every previous
position he had held, he displayed a rare dedication to his students
and earned the admiration and respect of his peers; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement, this esteemed
administrator continued to give back to his community as a
volunteer and advocate for Irving schools; he was recognized for
his many contributions to the district with the naming of John
F. Townley Elementary School in his honor; in addition, the Everman
ISD honored Dr. Townley and his wife, Polly, with the dedication of
John and Polly Townley Elementary; and
WHEREAS, John and Polly Townley shared many years of
rewarding marriage, enriched by their mutual love of their work and
by their devotion to all the students they helped to guide over the
years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Townley was a valued member of Oak View Baptist
Church, and in his leisure time, he enjoyed quail hunting and
playing golf as a member of Las Colinas Country Club; and
WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his profession and his community,
Dr. Townley made a positive difference in the lives of countless
Texans, and he leaves behind a legacy that will resonate for years
to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dr. John F. Townley
and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his
wife, Eula "Polly" Townley; to his sisters, Effie Leek and Margaret
McGlaun; to his nieces, Phyllis Foreman and Patsy Perry; to his
nephew, Tommy Leek; and to his other relatives and friends; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. John
F. Townley.