Steve Townsend Obituary

Steve Townsend, age 77 of Alvin, Texas peacefully passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023 surrounded by close family and friends at Southeast Memorial Hospital. Steve was born on October 10, 1946 at Dr. Merz's Clinic in Alvin, Texas, and he remained a local resident his entire lifetime. Steve attended Alvin High School, Class of 1965, and then later attended Alvin Community College and University of Houston to persue a degree in civil engineering, but his passion for music took his life down a different path.

Steve began playing guitar at 12 years old, and started teaching guitar lessons in college for additional income. Steve began dating his then girlfriend, Diana Yvonne Little, his senior year of high school and they were later married on June 25, 1971. With the support of Diana, Steve opened the Pearland Music Center in the Fall of 1968. In 1981, they moved the store to its current famous barn shaped building in Pearland, and the business eventually became known as The Music Factory. The Music Factory remains open under the management of son, Chase Townsend. At 55 years in operation, The Music Factory is currently one of the oldest remaining family owned and operated businesses in the City of Pearland. Through the years, Steve loved sharing his passion for music with the industry and his customers. He became close to many well-known musicians and developers for music equipment in the ever-changing music scene. Many even worked for him over the years, including one very special person, Bill "Red" Hillburn.

Steve played in several bands including: The Manhattan's, Fabulous Fendels, Roger Barlow and Just Plain Country, and the LS Sonrise Band. He loved to shake things up. In the mid-1960's, after seeking approval from Friendswood city council and the FISD school board, the Fabulous Fendels were the first dance band to be allowed to play at a Friendswood HS dance within the established quaker community. Steve has been recognized many times over the years within the music industry. He was featured in articles by the Pearland Reporter, Peavey Monitor Magazine, Texas Hot Country, featured on a Fox News special, he was invited as Hartley Peavey's special guest to NAAM, and was presented and award by, Congressman Pete Olson, in recognition by the United States Congress and Texas Congressional District 22 for being a driver in Brazoria County's Economy. But one of the things he loved most about working in the industry, was running the Music Factory and helping the next generation of musicians find their passions.

Steve had another passion beyond music, and that passion was the Boy Scouts of America. He believed that earning the rank of Eagle Scout is an honorable lifetime achievement. Steve is an Eagle Scout and achieved the Vigil honor in Order of the Arrow. When his children were growing up, he took great joy in being active in scouting and OA. He loved being a Scout Master and going camping, fishing, and helping to teach the next generation of scouts skills that would carry with them for life. This passion lead to his son, Chase Townsend, and godson, Chance

Browning both earning their Eagle Scout Ranks and OA Vigil Honors. His daughter in law, Jessica Townsend has carried on the family tradition by being an active Assistant Scout Master in Troop 487, where oldest grandson, Joseph Townsend earned his Eagle Scout Rank, and grandson, Jack Townsend, 1st Class, is actively working towards his Eagle Rank as well. Steve also loved to collect arrow heads, stamps and coins, and share the stories behind each piece when visiting with his grandchildren. His other interests included Texas History and road trips to visit historical sites.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Lyon Townsend and Gertrude A. Hill, sister, Joe Anne Townsend Phillips, and niece, Jessica Jaramillo.

Steve is survived by his wife, Diana Townsend; son and daughter- in-law, Steve and Jessica Townsend; son, Chase Townsend; godson, Chance Browning; grandsons, Joseph Townsend, Jonathan Townsend, Jack Townsend; niece, Del Anne Libby; nephew, Michael Kim Libby; and numerous other relatives and friends.

A public visitation will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. with the funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Scott Funeral Home in Alvin, Texas. Interment will follow in the Mustang Lutheran Cemetery.

At the request of Steve, his pallbearers are, Joseph Townsend, Jonathan Townsend, Jack Townsend, Chance Browning, Michael Ware, Nick Verlander, Brad Sypniewski, and honorary pallbearers, Mike Smith, John Matlock, J. Don Little and Dave Little.

A very special thank you to the communities of Alvin, Pearland and Friendswood for supporting Steve, our family and business over the past 55 years.

Flowers may be sent to Scott Funeral home. For those that prefer to donate towards his favorite organization in lieu of flowers, we have set up a scouting scholarship fund in his memory. Please make checks payable to Troop 487 and mail to: Troop 487 C/O Alvin Lutheran Church, 1800 FM 1462, Alvin, Texas 77511. For electronic donations, questions, or to request a tax deductible receipt, please email Jessica Townsend at [email protected] You may also choose to donate to a charity of your choice in his name as well.

Arrangements under the direction of the Scott Family, 1421 East Hwy. 6, Alvin, Texas 77511, (281) 585-1000 www.scottfuneralhome.net