Donald Gene Downs was born on February 11, 1942 in Fredericktown, MO the son of Floyd Carlton Downs and Nellie Elizabeth Edwards. He departed this life on June 22, 2024.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sandra Inman Davis and nephew Bobby Ragsdale.
Don is survived by the love of his life his wife, Sandra Thompson Downs, stepdaughter, Tracey Lober and husband Tim, grandson Matthew Lober and his wife Allison, his sister Patricia Ragsdale, his brother Jimmy DeWayne Downs, and many nieces and nephews.
Don graduated from Fredericktown High School in 1960 and from Mineral Area College earning an Associates Degree. Don was a veteran of the Missouri National Guard and served for over 7 years.
Don was an avid sportsman especially in the field of basketball. In both his junior and senior years he was awarded the Missouri All-State title.
Don and his father founded the Taum-Sauk Meat Packing Company distributing meats to numerous Madison and St. Francois County businesses. After leaving Taum-Sauk, Don joined Armour Foods and Wilson Foods. Don then joined Bryan Foods in Mississippi heading their meat industry.
After many years in the food industry, Don joined the George S. May Company out of Chicago, IL as a Financial Consultant. Don and Sandy moved to Tempe, AZ where they lived for over 20 years. Don retired in 2007 and Sandy retired in 2010 after which time they moved back to Farmington, MO to be near family and friends.
Don was a people person and always enjoyed meeting new acquaintances and telling jokes. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends, but he has left us with many, many memories.
Don was of the Methodist faith and a private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Alzheimer's Association or the Disabled American Veterans.
