TITLE: In memory of Bobby Lee Townsend, former mayor of Richardson.

SUMMARY: In memory of Bobby Lee Townsend, former mayor of Richardson.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Residents of Richardson were deeply saddened by the death of former mayor Bobby Lee Townsend on June 2, 2017, at the age of 84; and WHEREAS, The son of Vernon and Lillian Townsend, Bob Townsend was born in Durant, Oklahoma, on January 6, 1933; he studied at the University of Oklahoma and Southeastern Oklahoma State University before going on to complete his master's degree at Southern Methodist University; on July 27, 1952, he married the former Madeline "Lynn" Stevens, and they became the parents of four children, Kurt, Valerie, Kret, and Kevin; he eventually knew the joy of welcoming into his family seven grandchildren, Michael, David, Barrett, Jackson, Kyle, Adrian, and Julie, and six great-grandchildren, Parker, Maddie, Lewis, Melanie, Caroline, and Kennedy; and WHEREAS, Mr. Townsend began his career as an accountant and data processing developer for Swift and Company in Memphis, Tennessee, and Chicago, Illinois; eager to return to the Southwest, he joined Texas Instruments in 1958, and his responsibilities in the Information Systems and Services Division included management of the company's internal communications system; following his retirement in 1996, he dedicated himself to his beloved community; he was president of the Southwest Richardson Homeowners Association and the Richland Meadows Neighborhood Association, and he served on a number of city boards and commissions; in 2001, he was elected to the city council, and during a tenure that spanned 16 years, he was mayor from 2011 to 2013 and served three terms as mayor pro tem; and WHEREAS, A tireless public servant, Mr. Townsend furthered economic development, launching the Mayor's Office of International Business and building fruitful relationships with business representatives from abroad; he played a key role in a host of projects, among them the Eisemann Center, five DART rail stations, three fire stations, a fire training center, and multiple recreation and sports facilities; moreover, he promoted greater unity and understanding among citizens through his involvement in the reactivation of the Richardson Interfaith Alliance and the adoption of its Charter for Compassion; his profound commitment to the city led him to continue his work until the end of his term on the council despite his battle with lung cancer; named Citizen of the Year for 2016 by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, he received the city's Distinguished Service Award on the occasion of his retirement in May 2017; and WHEREAS, Bob Townsend made a lasting, positive difference in Richardson, and although he is deeply missed, his devotion to his family and his community will remain a source of inspiration to all who had the good fortune to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of Bobby Lee Townsend and extend sincere condolences to his loved ones; 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 Bob Townsend. Leach Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 298 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on August 15, 2017. Chief Clerk of the House