![]() John Tipton Lonsdale Colonel, United States Army |
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JOHN TIPTON LONSDALE John Tipton Lonsdale died suddenly, of a heart
attack at his home in Austin, Texas,
Born at Dale, Iowa, November 8, 1895, Dr. Lonsdale
was the oldest son of Eva Mary
His distinguished professional career began
in 1921 as Assistant Professor of Geology at the University of Virginia
and Geologist for the Virginia Geological Survey. He moved to Norman, Oklahoma)
in 1924 to become Assistant Professor of Geology at the University of Oklahoma
and Geologist for the Oklahoma Geological Survey, and in 1925 he came to
The University of Texas as Geologist in the Bureau of Economic Geology.
In 1928 he became Professor of Geology and Head of the Department of Geology,
Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas at College Station, Texas.
He was the leader in developing a strong geology curriculum at College
Station and was chiefly responsible for the planning and design of a new
geology building on that campus. While at College Station he was geologist
for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. From Texas he went to the Iowa State
College at Ames where, except for military
Following service in the United States Army as Lieutenant from 1917-19, wherein he was cited for bravery, Dr. Lonsdale developed a strong interest in military affairs and was active as a reserve officer between World Wars I and II. He served in the Army again from 1942 to 1945 as Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel and continued his interest in reserve activities even while holding the rank of a retired officer. He was a staunch patriot. In recognition of his services to his country, his ashes were interred at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to his professional and military
careers, he was active in the Austin Rotary
His contributions to geologic research ranged
from detailed analyses of complex rock and mineral systems to the economic
geology of many different industrial mineral products. Among his specialties
were investigations of ground-water resources and the general geology of
the Big Bend National Park. His geological investigations of the Park were
nearly complete at the time of his death and will be published as part
of the comprehensive report on the geology of the Big Bend Park. His work
also had a strong practical slant toward economic geology. During his years
as Director of the Bureau of Economic Geology, he began a program of investigation
of the State's
Dr. Lonsdale had a way of developing a strong
bond with his students that endured long after they left the classroom.
Many of these students have risen to high places in the scientific and
business world. Because of their deep affection and esteem for him, they
continued to visit and correspond with Dr. Lonsdale through the years and
up to the time of his death. Many came hundreds of miles to pay their last
respect and many have written sincere tributes to his influence through
the years. Among the important tasks assigned to him by University officials
shortly after returning to The University of Texas in 1945 was to aid in
the recruiting and building of an outstanding
Not only was Dr. Lonsdale a distinguished man in the geological profession, but also he was admired and trusted by all who worked with him. To his associates, the quality, which set him apart, was complete and unswerving integrity. He was devoted to his wife; they were married more than 40 years. The loss of this man cannot be measured. His memory will remain as an example of how a man should live his life. Samuel P. Ellison, Jr., Chairman
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