Otis Townsend

August 11, 1953 ~ February 27, 2018

© Cooper Funeral Home

Submitted by: TD

Otis Townsend, 64, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma left to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 27, 2018.

He was born at the old Shawnee City Hospital on August 11, 1953. He spent most of his life in Tecumseh and was a graduate of Tecumseh High School, class of 1971. Stories tell that he was an accomplished linebacker for several Tecumseh Football teams, although he rarely spoke of such. He did often speak of working at the old Jay’s drive-in during these years, many fond memories which he kept with him throughout his life.

He entered the USAF following high school where he specialized in electronics and air traffic control repair for the 3rd mobile unit. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Deborah Sue (Venable) Townsend following her graduation in May 1972. Following his service years, Otis worked for 33 years with the US post office in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Otis was a powerful man both physically and mentally and will be remembered as such by those who knew him best. He loved his family more than anything else in this world and provided a foundation of strength and security, as this was most important to him. He was a great provider and Patriarch to them. He will be remembered for his quick wit, thirst for knowledge, and ability to find simple solutions to complex problems. He respected authority but was quick to challenge injustices of any kind, and he always remained firm in the face of adversity.

Throughout his life, he was a man of many talents and hobbies and most enjoyed pit smoking barbeque, watching OU football, and seeing and supporting his children and grandchildren. He rarely missed a school function or extracurricular activity of theirs. He was a league bowler at Shawnee Bowl for many years and earned the coveted “300” game ring during league play. He maintained a small herd of cattle for many years as well as a small garden. During his final years, he much enjoyed relaxing and watching nature from his porch overlooking a small prairie just west of Tecumseh.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Susie Townsend; his stepfather, Charles Newton, and his sister-in-law, Patricia Foster.

He leaves behind, his wife of 45 years Deborah Townsend of the home; daughter, Amanda Michelle Guess and son in law, Chad Guess; his son, Dr. Timothy Townsend and daughter- in- law, Yvette Townsend; his two lovely granddaughters, Kaleigh Guess and Paden Guess; his young grandsons, Timothy Noah Townsend and Evan Charles Townsend; his mother, Dorothy Newton; 4 sisters, Martha and Wesley Pittman of Shawnee, OK, Marsha and Jeff Seawright of Shawnee, OK, Jamie and Brandon Thrower of Shawnee, OK and Kay Hines of Seminole, OK; 1 brother and sister-in-law, Damon “Danny” and Leesa Townsend of Tecumseh, OK; 1 brother-in-law, Wesley Foster; 1 sister-in-law, Veleta Venable; and very good friend, Wayne Munday; and other loving extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank the Physicians and Nursing staff of the seventh floor ICU and medical floor at Integris Baptist Hospital for their continued devotion, compassion, and professionalism displayed in caring for Otis at the end of his life.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2018 and continue through service time. Family gathering to greet friends and family will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2018 at Cooper Funeral Home. Service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Sharon Baptist Church with Reverend Clint Dawkins officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.