Henry Cuthbert Townsend

Captain Henry C. Townsend

Funeral service for Captain Henry C. Townsend will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at College Heights Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Friendship Cemetery in Pocasset, OK under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home.

Captain Henry C. Townsend, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home in Chickasha, Oklahoma, January 8th, 2025, surrounded by the memories of a life well-lived. He was 82 years old and left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on September 14, 1942, to Russell Edgar and Frances Wanna (Davis) Townsend in Chickasha, Henry was the second oldest of six children. His roots were deeply planted in this community, and it was here that he began his journey—a journey filled with service, passion, dedication, and love.

Henry's love for aviation began early in life. He attended high school in Chickasha, worked at Humpty Dumpty, pursued his studies, and met the love of his life, Reba Ann Parker.  After high school, Henry and Reba were married in Chickasha June 14th, 1963 while attending Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in accounting. It was during his college years that he found his calling and joined the USAF ROTC program, where he began the path that would define much of his life. His passion for flying was matched only by his sense of duty, leading him to become a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force.

His military career took him to Webb AFB in Big Spring, Texas, where he spent five years during which they were blessed with two sons, Henry Jr and Charles Orin.  Henry's love for flying only grew stronger with each passing day. It's safe to say Henry had a flair for excitement—whether it was buzzing his Uncle Charlie and highway patrolmen or flying upside down over the Grand Canyon, Henry made sure his family and friends knew when he was up in the clouds.

After transitioning from the military, Henry's family moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he began his career with Eastern Airlines as a Boeing 727 Flight Engineer. Over the years, Henry's aviation career blossomed as he flew various aircraft, including the DC-9, Airbus, L1011, and his favorite, the Boeing 757. He retired in 2002 as a captain on the A320 with America West Airlines in Phoenix, Arizona, after a distinguished career that spanned decades.

Even after retirement, Henry's passion for aviation continued. He joined the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aviation Safety Inspector, a role that allowed him to continue flying while ensuring the safety of others. His dedication earned him an award from the National Flight Procedures Office, a testament to his unwavering commitment to aviation safety.

But while aviation was Henry's lifelong passion, it was his love for God and his commitment to helping others that truly defined him. Henry was a quiet man when it came to speaking about his accomplishments, but those who knew him best knew that his heart was devoted to his faith and to serving others. He spent countless hours studying the Word of God, and his involvement in the Baptist Church was a central part of his life including the dedication as a deacon. Most recently, he found a home at College Heights Baptist Church, where he continued his biblical studies and worship. He was a man who cared deeply for everyone, and his kindness and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him. He never met a stranger, and his warmth and compassion will be missed by all.

Henry leaves behind a legacy of love and service. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Reba; his two children, Henry Jr. and his wife Lori, and Charles and his wife Tammy; and his nine grandchildren, Kris and his wife Erin, Kurstin and her husband Joaquin Ortegon, Breanna, Clifford, Railey and her husband Brendan Bishop, Ellery Watts, Grant, Aurelia Ecker, and Krista. Henry was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, Cadyn, Gage, Carsyn, Berkleigh, and Noah, who brought him great joy in his later years. Surviving siblings; Russell and wife Ann, Melvin and wife Norma, David and wife Karen, and Curtis and wife Meredith.  All of which added 34 additional loving nieces and nephews to Henry's family.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Frances Townsend, his sister, Sharon and her husband Richard Souders, their son and nephew to Henry, Richard Souders Jr, and great niece Jordan Elizabeth Souders.

As we say goodbye to Henry, we are reminded of the many ways he enriched our lives. He lived with purpose, passion, and a quiet strength that will forever be remembered. His love for his family, his faith, and his love of flying will continue to inspire us all. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will remain alive in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.sevierfuneralhome.com