87S10584 BPG-D
By: Guillen H.R. No. 9
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Texas A&M community is mourning the loss of
admired educator Dr. Joe David Townsend of South Padre Island, who
passed away on July 1, 2021, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Born to Charles Eli Townsend and Pauline Townsend on
July 24, 1945, Joe Townsend grew up with a brother, Donald, and
graduated from McAllen High School; while earning his bachelor's
degree in agricultural education at Texas A&M University, he served
as president of the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences student
council, and he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, the
Agricultural Leadership Society, FFA, and the 4-H Club; he began
his career as a high school teacher while completing a master's
degree and doctoral degree in agricultural education at Iowa State
University, and he taught at both Iowa State and Illinois State; and
WHEREAS, "Dr. Joe" returned to Texas A&M in 1984 and became
associate dean for students in the College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences and associate vice president for students; over the course
of a quarter century, he taught at least 1,000 students per
semester; he received numerous accolades, including the University
Distinguished Teaching Award, the John J. Koldus III Award from the
Division of Student Affairs, and the Outstanding Alumni Award from
the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; in addition, he was
recognized by Minorities in Agriculture and the Natural Resources
and Related Sciences Council, and he was honored four times by the
Association of Former Students; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to his family, Dr. Townsend shared a
fulfilling marriage of 41 years with his wife, Christine Davis
Townsend; he took great pride in his children, Kelly and Michael,
and his four grandchildren; in 2009, Dr. Christine Townsend
established the Dr. Joe D. Townsend Agricultural Leadership,
Education, and Communications Leadership Fellows Program at Texas
A&M in honor of her husband; the couple was inducted into the Texas
Letterman's Association Hall of Honor together; and
WHEREAS, Joe David Townsend enriched the lives of countless
students over the course of his long career in higher education, and
his contributions to Texas A&M University will continue to resonate
in the years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of
Dr. Joe David Townsend and extend sincere condolences to all who
mourn his passing; 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 Joe David
Townsend.