TITLE: In memory of Dr. John F. Townley, former superintendent of the Irving Independent School District.

SUMMARY: In memory of Dr. John F. Townley, former superintendent of the Irving Independent School District.

FULL TEXT:
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. Anderson of Dallas Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1189 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 26, 2015. Chief Clerk of the House