Philip L. Townsend

Philip L. Townsend Philip L Townsend, age 44, of Austin, Texas, passed away at the University Medical Center at Brackenridge on September 11, 2008, following complications sustained from a head injury. A son of Texas, he was born June 26, 1964, in Arlington, Texas, to Dan and Carol Townsend. He attended Noel, Missouri grade school and graduated with honors from McDonald County, Missouri High School. He organized their first chess club. He was a member of the varsity baseball team as a southpaw pitcher and first baseman. His love of athletics was not limited to baseball, as he was active in football, basketball, softball, swimming, golf, and other competitive sports. Additionally, he relished outdoor adventure. He attended DeVry Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, and Missouri Southern State University studying computer science. Philip was an entrepreneur and owned his first business at the age of 21. He later moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, and became part owner of three businesses in the Metairie, Louisiana area. After hurricane Katrina he sold his ownership in the businesses and moved to Austin, Texas. At the time of his death, Phil was employed by the exclusive Hyatt Lost Pines Spa and Resort in Bastrop, Texas. Philip is survived by his parents, Dan and Carol Townsend of Madisonville, Texas, his brother Brian and hid sister-in-law, Denise Townsend of Grapeland, Texas, brother Curtis and sister-in-law Anita Townsend of Bastrop, Texas, and brother Jeffrey and sister-in-law Lisa Townsend of Alvin, Texas. He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews, his grandparents, Jerry and Isabel Townsend of Pryor, Oklahoma, his grandmother Helen Kanzenbach of Huntsville, Texas and by many cousins, uncles, aunts and friends. Phil was an American Indian and a member of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation. Phil was very outgoing, fun-loving, caring, adventurous and generous. He was a gentleman. He loved to travel and always enjoyed being with people. He was a huge sports fan, and frequently played football, basketball, and softball with his friends, in addition to his frequent runs along Town Take and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. He loved to read, study, and had a particular interest in tree recognition and appreciation. His zest for life was contagious by all that knew him. He was imaginative, creative, articulate, and possessed the fine qualities that most espouse to obtain. He leaves behind all the friends and acquaintances that had the good fortune to be touched by him. Memorial services for Philip L. Townsend will be held at All Faiths Funeral Home, 4360 South Congress, Austin, Texas, ph #512-326-8878, on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the Phil Townsend Memorial Fund has been established in his name at Chase Bank for the purpose of planting trees along his favorite jogging and biking trails, as well as other places he loved to frequent. Donations may be made at any Chase Bank in his honor under the account number 0216418847, or to his home address at 2213 Amur Drive, Austin TX 78745. Phil's family would like to thank staff and volunteers of the ICU at UMCB and the Seton Medical Center Emergency Department for their outstanding support, comfort and care.