Weldon Robert Townsend, 90, of Orange, passed away on January 13th, 2021, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, January 17th, at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Orange. Officiating will be Pastor Barry Bradley. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Bridge City, Texas. The service will be streamed on Facebook Live.
Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. prior to the celebration service, at First Baptist Church of Orange.
He is survived by Wanda, his wife of 70 years; children Melessa Fox and husband Rusty of Sugar Land, Alan Townsend and wife Lori of Sugar Land, and Dr. Bryan Townsend and wife Dr. Pamela Singletary of Austin; grandchildren Rachel Fox Gajewski and husband Kenny of Stillwater, OK, Elizabeth Fox of Roseville, CA, Courtney Townsend of Sugar Land, and Grant Townsend of Sugar Land; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by parents Gwen and Willie Townsend; brothers Donald, James, and Clifton Townsend; and sisters Donnie Sisk, Mena Carnes, and Jeanette Townsend.
Weldon was born on July 26, 1930 in Hamlin, Texas. He graduated from Hamlin High School in 1948, where he excelled in football and baseball. After high school, he attended telegraph school in Fort Worth, Texas and began working for the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad in 1949. He married Wanda Jean Mayfield of Hamlin in 1950. He was drafted in 1952 by the U. S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict. He spent 16 months in Korea as a sergeant first class and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. After being honorably discharged from the U. S. Army in 1954, he began his career with Burlington Railroad in Abilene, Texas, and Texline, Texas. In 1968, he moved his family to Orange, Texas where he began his career with Equitable Co.
In 1993, he retired from Equitable Co. after serving 25 years as distribution manager. During retirement he used his carpentry skills in his own personal business and provided free carpentry services for those in need. He mentored countless young people, teaching them his skill as a carpenter. He also served as a member of the Orange County Appraisal District Review Board, reviewing, and adjusting appraised property taxes.
Weldon was an active member and deacon of First Baptist Church Orange for 52 years. He served as Chairman of the Deacons, Long Range Planning Committee member, head of the church’s Mission Team, member of the Texas Baptist Men, and Chairman of the Pastor Search Committee that brought Pastor Barry Bradley to the church in 1990. He lived by the word of God, shared the gospel with many, and helped countless in need. He lived a life of service and was awarded Layman of the Year by the Orange Kiwanis Club in 1984 and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 2014 Male Senior Citizen of the Year.
He was involved in numerous civic roles, including being active in Orange Little League for seven years and president for two years, president and board member of the Sabine District Transportation Club, Treasurer of the Orange County Republican Party, served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Orange Area Habitat for Humanity and volunteered for the Lions Club carnival each year. He worked with other volunteers countless Saturdays building homes to meet the needs of low-income families who needed simple, decent, and affordable housing.
Weldon was an incredibly hard worker, who mowed his own yard up until one week before going home to be with his heavenly father. He was happiest being active. He loved his family, being a lovingly committed husband, fabulous father to his three children and being called “Poppy” by his four grandchildren. He left an impact on many lives and will be extremely missed by all who knew and loved him.
Serving as pallbearers will be John Martin, Charlie Phillips, Ed Freiberg, Ray Rogers, Scot Sims and Mark Ferrell. Honorary pallbearers are Don Ball, Bill McKowen and Joe Wagnon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church Orange, in memory of Weldon Townsend. 7627 MLK Drive, Orange, Tx 77632.
Condolences
Fletcher Cockrell
January 19, 2021
Such a wonderful Christian example, loved by our whole family & Wanda we will always remember your sweetness.
Fletcher & Linda
Anonymous
January 17, 2021
Beautiful Heart Bouquet was purchased for the family of Weldon Robert Townsend.
Hughie Allen
January 16, 2021
Mrs. Townsend and family,
I have fond memories of our first meeting when I taught Driver's Education to two fine young men. It has been a while and I am sure they may have forgotten those early years, before the big prefixes graced their names. Anyway, to you and your family I just wanted to express my sincere sorrow over your loss and I am in daily prayer for your family. I don't think I know your daughter, but two sons and Mrs. Townsend and family members we share deepest sympathy......I congratulate each of you on your life attainments, just what your Dad ordered.
Take care, standby your mom and continue to be the Adults you obviously have been!
M/M Hughie J. Allen, 9617 Applewood Trail, Denton, Tx 76207...
Robert Sanders
January 16, 2021
Mr Townsend was a blessing to know. I returned to Orange and the family home after Mom passed away. He was always offering us fruit from his trees. Will miss seeing still mowing his lawn and out walking Hershey. Wife and I send our deepest condolences to Mrs. Townsend and the family. Love Robert and Seyue Sanders
Anonymous
January 16, 2021
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Weldon Robert Townsend.
Dr, Townsend’S Staff
January 16, 2021
Dr, Townsend’s staff purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Weldon Robert Townsend.
Anonymous
January 16, 2021
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Weldon Robert Townsend.
Steve & Patty Townsend & Family
January 16, 2021
Steve & Patty Townsend & Family purchased the Peaceful White Lilies Basket for the family of Weldon Robert Townsend.
Claybar Funeral Home
January 16, 2021
197 files added to the album LifeTributes
Anonymous
January 15, 2021
Blue Caribbean Bouquet was purchased for the family of Weldon Robert Townsend.
Cleve And Jeannie Granberry
January 15, 2021
Uncle Weldon was always a joy to be around, he lit up the room. I never recall a frown on his face nor an unkind word about anyone.
He was always the first to extent his hand and offer a hug. He left a great legacy which is ingrained in all his children and grandchildren.
We love each of you very much.
Prayers for continued strength and understanding.
When we all get to heaven what a day of rejoining that will be. When we all see Jesus we will sing a shout the VICTORY!!!
Cleve and Jeannie