Frank Slover Townsley
Frank Slover Townsley, (96), of Norman, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. To say Frank was a special man is an understatement; his death comes as a great loss to his family and friends. Frank was born on May 25, 1927 to Ruby Slover Townsley and John Matthew Townsley in Sulphur. After graduating from Sulphur High School in 1944, he joined the Navy and went on to receive his degree in Forestry at Oklahoma A&M, known today as Oklahoma State University.
After graduation, he moved to North Carolina where he received his first job as a park ranger in the Blue Ridge Parkway. Later, he moved back home to Sulphur where he served for a short time as park ranger in Platt National Park. After the park service, he went on to pursue a career in forestry and worked for the Olin Matheson paper mill company up until 1969. During his time back in Sulphur, he met and fell in love with Ruth Kinney, and they were married on July 14, 1952. Their love for each other was extraordinary and went on to last 71 wonderful years. Four children were born to this union, Ruth Stringer (Jack), Melinda T. Burk (Roy), Frank S. Townsley, Jr. and Forrest M. Townsley (Jennifer.) In 1973 they moved to Norman, where they would finish raising their kids and become longtime residents. Frank worked in Norman as an Independent Petroleum Land Man for 40 years. He was a member of the First Christian Church.
Frank had a love for gardening and fly fishing in Colorado, but his greatest love of all was his family. He and Ruth loved hosting family get-togethers where they would sit around visiting filling their home with laughter.
Frank is predeceased by his parents, Ruby Slover Townsley and John Matthew Townsley; brother John M. Townsley, Jr.; grandson Matthew Stringer and great granddaughter Isabella Stringer.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Townsley; four children; five grandchildren; Shelly Hon-Stringer, Jessica Moore, Kaitlin Joseph, Felicia Coats and Abigail Newell; nine great grandchildren; Sydney Burks, Brady Burks, Jackson Stringer, Kingston Stringer, Hadley Stringer, Evan Moore, Kadence Moore, Kairi Ishman and Samson Newell. His first great-great grandchild is expected in December.
Frank was successful in all elements in life that really count for anything. He will be so dearly missed by his family; he was and always will be our hero.