Joseph Emmett Townsend
Fondly referred to as Big Joe by all who loved him, Joseph Emmett Townsend passed from this earthly life, March 14, 2022, surrounded by his adoring family.
Joe was an avid outdoorsman, bowler, golfer, and athlete. He also was a dedicated poker player and never missed a Friday night game. He fiercely loved his family and friends, especially his wife of 54 years, Eileen Heffernan Townsend.
Born October 21, 1940 in Galveston, Texas to Lynne Adams Townsend and Myrtle Pearl Schroeder, he was a proud Galvestonian. He graduated from Ball High in 1958. Big Joe was enthusiastic about history, specifically with his ties to the Island and his Alamo ancestors. He attended the University of Texas- Austin and University of Houston- Law School. August 5, 1967, he married the love of his life, Eileen, at Sacred Heart Church in Galveston. For many years, he worked on the wharf and in construction around the area. He retired as a Supervisor of SRU at AMOCO in Texas City.
Survived by his wife, Eileen, sons: Joseph Townsend (Tyann), Zachary Townsend (Luna), daughters: Florence Adkins (Paul), Elizabeth Yorlano (Andy), and his sisters: Martha “Cookie” Lozica and Susan Everitt. His grandchildren include Peyton Goodwin, Aubrey Goodwin, Colton Adkins, Jake Townsend, Owen Townsend, and Dominic Yorlano. Two relatives that always held a special place in his heart, include Kathleen Pero (sister-in-law) and Mary Jo Godinich (niece-daughter). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Crowder Funeral Home at 1645 E. Main Street in League City, TX. The visitation will be from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. with the service beginning at 11 a.m. A graveside burial will immediately follow the service at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery at 10708 Highway 6 in Santa Fe, TX. Pallbearers will be Jake Townsend, Owen Townsend, Paul Adkins, Andy Yorlano, Joey Godinich, and Richard Davis.
In lieu of flowers, Big Joe requested that any donations be sent to the Texas Right to Life Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Texas Right to Life
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
To view the ceremony online, please follow the link below:
Our prayers and love are with you all. We are praying for comfort and peace in the coming days and weeks. ❤️
God bless you all during this time. Prayers for peace and comfort.
My deepest condolences to you Eileen and your family. May God’s peace and comfort envelop you.
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s been many years since I have seen Mr. Joe, but he was always a kind and respectful person. The Rocha family has known Mr. Joe since minor league baseball in Galveston. We all adored your family. Mrs. Townsend was my 5th grade teacher at Island Elementary. May God bless your family during this difficult time.
We are so Sorry to hear this! He has been an amazing presence In The baseball stands throughout the years. He will be greatly missed by all! Big hugs and love to all of the family.
The Habhab family.
💗
Our Big Joe will be sadly missed! He has blessed us with a lot of love and laughter over the many years. We are praying for my Aunt Sissy and cousins during this time of sorrow and grief whilst knowing we will join him one day in Paradise 🙏🙏🙏
Eileen, our heart breaks for you to hear this news of losing your Joey.
We will have you and family in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days. God Bless ❤️ David and Paula Ewald
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Eileen, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Joe. Our family and yours have many years of shared history, and memories. Much love and deepest felt condolences at this time of sorrow
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Townsend Family.
So sorry Eileen. so many happy memories with Aunt Flo, Nonie and Rene I know you are heartbroken. God bless
Love
Camille Thiel
My heart breaks for all of you. Thoughts and Prayers.
Big Joe will be missed by so many. He was a great husband, father, and grandfather. Your precious memories will be a comfort in the days to come. May God give you comfort and peace beyond understanding.
Love,
Ronnie & Graceanna
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
So sorry for your loss Eileen my love and prayers 🙏❤
Are with you and your family.
He was always full of humor and lit up a room when he walked in. We will greatly miss him. Love and prayers to all the family. Cami & Danny Heffernan
I’m so sorry for your loss! May God bless you with comfort in your wonderful memories. I will pray for you and the family, Eileen.
Love,
Marsha Bass
Our thoughts and prayers go out to each member of the Townsend Family. May God give you his comfort and peace.
Our family sends its deepest condolences to you and your family. Joe will be sadly missed by so many whose lives he touched. He was always so kind and you could always tell how much he loved his family. Prayers for all of you from all of us.
Our sincerest sympathies are with all of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts
and prayers are with you.
Love,
Archie and Maria Thurston
Prayers for you and your family 🙏
Eileen,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I have fond memories of Joey from our days at BHS. A wonderful guy.
Big Joe was such a sweet and kind man I’m so glad I got to meet him! He will be terribly missed! All of y’all are in my thoughts and prayers! I’m sending my deepest condolences to the all of the Townsend family during this difficult time! 🙏🏼
Eileen, I am so sorry for your loss of Big Joe. I can still remember talking to Joe and Fern at the CU. We talked about our years at the Windjammer Apts, especially the children on their “Big Wheels”. I wish you and your family comfort and peace. Hope we can meet again soon. My love and friendship.
I have long admired your family. The epitome of family joy and fulfillment.
Thoughts and Prayers🙏