Pat Townsend Sr.

1933 - 2022

Mission - Pat Townsend Sr., 89, passed away on Friday June 17, at Waterford Gardens in Mission, Texas. He was born in McAllen Texas on March 20, 1933 to Charles A. and Virginia Townsend. Pat was raised at the family home on Taylor road with his siblings, Quintin, John, Alfred, Mike, Mary Ann and Margaret. He graduated from McAllen High School in 1951 and joined the family farming and ranching operations established by his pioneering family, with his mother graduating from McAllen High School in 1917.

At 17, Pat met the love of his life Virginia Hirsch, whom he affectionately referred to as "lover", while attending the Mercedes Livestock Show. They recently celebrated 69 years together on June 9th. In 1955 Pat, his father and four brothers started Townsend Implement Co. on Taylor Rd. and soon expanded to East Highway 83 in McAllen in 1959. Pat truly enjoyed working the Parts counter and talking with loyal customers from Texas and all parts of Mexico until his retirement in 2000.

Pat enjoyed many years of service and volunteer work. He served multiple years as the Food Chairman for the Mission/McAllen Beef Syndicate and was given a Lifetime Membership. He loved and committed himself to the McAllen Rotary Club in 1976 where he achieved 32 years of Perfect Attendance, became a Paul Harris Fellow, and gained many lifelong friends. While with the Rotary Club, he served as Chairman of Vocational Services and traveled with other members to Monterrey Mexico. This led to additional trips to Mexico as an Ambassador for Rotary, and also further trips to the City Of Mission's "Sister Cities". As an Ambassador he utilized his warm smile, strong handshake, and perfect Spanish to win over many new friends.

After retirement he signed on as a Volunteer at Mission Regional Hospital and enjoyed hanging out with the Three Amigos telling stories and jokes between runs with patients. Pat enjoyed the simple things in life like driving the tractor at his El Maso Ranch, and appreciating God's Nature in photos, especially the beautiful birds!

Pat was a man of great Faith and a Lifelong Member of Saint Paul's Catholic Church in Mission, Texas. Pat and Virginia faithfully served in the Saint Paul's Choir for 30 years together.

He and his beloved wife Virginia, had 10 cherished children, raising them on a small farm on Taylor Rd. He is survived by his wife Virginia, his children Pat (J.B.), Kathleen (Richard), Mark (Cindy), Greg, Kevin (Celeste), Paul (Nancy), Dan (Debbie), Timothy (in Heaven), Theresa (Bob), George (Heather). GRANDSONS: Austin (Kelly), Drew, Elliot (Hannah), Patrick (Brandi), John (Courtney), Matthew, Zachary, Anthony, Aidan, Luke, Richard Jr. (Brittany) and Jerome (Krystal). GRANDAUGHTERS: Elizabeth (David), Rachel (Dean), Amanda, Courtney (Briar), Claire (Vince), Elise, Taylor, and seventeen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Miksch, his many nieces and nephews and their families.

He was truly a great father, good friend, neighbor and loving faithful husband who left no doubt who was "in charge"! He loved talking and visiting with his kids and grandkids, usually around the dinner table about even the smallest details of their lives. He will be forever loved and remembered.

Our family wishes to thank everyone who helped us in our time of need especially the Staff at Waterford Gardens and Allstate Hospice for their faith, love and dedication to his every needs. We also wish to thank Enrique Banda and his wife Sandra for their loyal service and friendship of the last several decades.

Visitation Monday June 20, 2022 6 - 8 PM with Rosary at 7 PM at Saint Paul's Catholic Church, 1119 Francisco Ave., Mission Texas.

Funeral Mass to be held on Tuesday June 21, 2022 at 10 AM also at Saint Paul's Catholic Church.

Gravesite Services Wednesday June 22, 2022 at 1 PM at Valley Memorial Gardens, 3611 North Taylor Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that Memorial Donations be made to the following: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital @ stjude.org and to Saint Paul's Catholic Church/Building Fund @ 1119 Francisco Avenue in Mission Texas 78572.