Vernon Townsend

Vernon Lee Townsend Jr. died April 8th in Rockport with his wife and soul mate Mary Katherine by his side, finally getting relief from the ravages of pancreatic cancer.

Vernon had the privilege of teaching science, from physical science to marine biology in Ingleside for 32 years. He and his wife retired in 2001 and enjoyed many years of "doing what they wanted", including enjoying lots of travel.

From the time Vernon arrived in Rockport in 1975, he was involved in organizations including Rockport-Fulton Ducks Unlimited, Texas State Council of Ducks Unlimited, Palm Harbor Property Owners Association and Texas State Teacher's Association. He was always called on to have some position of leadership in these organizations.

Vernon and Mary Katherine moved to Rockport in 1975 to live on the water and he lived his life enjoying it, whether fishing or hunting on Estes flats or fishing the Gulf of Mexico or setting sail in the sailboat. Off the water he loved deer hunting on his lease in Goliad County.

Vernon had a deep love and respect for nature and the environment. Obeying he laws of nature was his passion and he sought to pass that on to others, especially his students.

Vernon was born March 4, 1942 in Canton, Mississippi to Vernon and Kathryn Townsend. He attended Victoria College and Southwest Texas State College. From 1968-1972 he served in the US Coast Guard stationed in Key West, Florida and Galveston.

He was preceded in death by his parents and mother-in-law, Elsie Myers. Survivors include his wife Mary Katherine Townsend, sister and brother-in law Sally and Joe Campbell of Rockport; niece Jeanne (Mark) Brandes of Goliad; nephews, Allen and Steven; great nieces and nephews Kristina, Kayla, Kortney, Kelly, Garrett and Dustin.

A memorial service was held Friday, April 14th in Aransas Pass with AIM Chaplin, David McCombs officiating.

Special thanks to AIM Hospice and the ladies who were angels of mercy in our time of need.