Mr. Aaron F. Townsend

Aaron F. Townsend, 77, of Bartlesville, went home to the Lord Sunday evening. His loving family was by his side when he departed this earth for an eternity of joyful worship, proclaiming forevermore, “My God, how great Thou art!” Aaron Franklin Townsend was born October 1, 1935, in Bokchito, OK, to Edgar Townsend and Faye Blankenship. He was raised in Bokchito, a small town that in the Choctaw language translated into "big creek” and he graduated from Bokchito High School. He went to Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant and earned a bachelors in music education, graduating in 1957. Aaron then moved to Barnsdall as the band and choir director where he met the love of his life Sharon. Aaron and Sharon Fritz were united in marriage December 22, 1958, in Barnsdall. Aaron served in the US Army from 1958-60 at Fort Lewis near Tacoma, Washington. They worked and lived in various cities before moving to Bartlesville in 1990. Aaron enjoyed Sooner football, basketball and fishing trips with his sons at the cabin in Moline, KS. He loved his children and grandchildren. He also loved his wife’s company, cooking and cookies. Aaron had a cheerful spirit and he loved to visit dear friends. He will be deeply missed. Aaron’s first love in life was God his Heavenly Father. His second love was his family. His third love was music, which Aaron embraced as his life’s calling, serving as a music teacher and music minister. He requested his two favorite hymns be included in his service: Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art - songs that reflected his deep faith and love for his Savior. Aaron is survived by his loving wife of the home Sharon; four children Russell Townsend of San Antonio, Richard Townsend and Ronda of Wichita, Ross Townsend of Wichita, and Reba Lee and Mike of Ramona; four grandchildren, Mandy Bird, Lauren Townsend, Hailey Townsend, and Ryan Townsend; one great granddaughter Shayli Bird, and one sister Lorene Patton of Durant. Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, brother Wayne Townsend, son Robby Townsend, grandson Jon Ross Townsend and great grandson Shaun Mersman. The family will receive friends at the Davis Family Funeral Home, (918-534-3030), 113 S. Osage (Hwy. 75), Dewey, on Thursday, August 22, 2013, from 6-8 p.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the residents’ Christmas party fund at the Bartlesville Health & Rehab, 3434 Kentucky Place, Bartlesville, Ok 74006. Bringing joy to others would be what Aaron would want. Funeral services for Mr. Townsend will be held on Friday, August 23, 2013, at 2 p.m. in the Rose Hill Community Baptist Church. Rev. Orville Moody will officiate. Interment will follow in the Ethel Reece Cemetery in Barnsdall. Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Family Funeral Home.

Mr. Aaron F. Townsend

October 1, 1935 - August 18, 2013