Robert “Bob” F. Downs, 89, of Owensboro, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at his home with his children by his side. He was born September 1, 1931 to the late Morton B. (Flappy) Downs Sr. and Rebecca Dawson Downs at his maternal grandparents farm on Rt. 7 (Veach Rd.) Owensboro during the great depression.
He was a graduate of Owensboro Senior High School and Murray State College. He was drafted into the Marine Corps on August 28, 1951 and served in the Korean War, with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division from March 1952 to February 1953.
Bob retired from General Motors Acceptance Corp. (GMAC) in 1987 after 32 years. Bob was saved at R.A. (Royal Ambassador) camp at Kuttawa, KY in August 1942 and continued his Christian walk thereafter with forgiven sins along the way. He was a member of Walnut Memorial Baptist Church since 1995 and previously at Buena Vista Baptist Church for 53 years. He had served as Chairman of the Deacons at both churches and various committees and taught Sunday School and vacation Bible school. He had been a member of the Jaycees and the Optimist Club.
Bob enjoyed visiting patients in the hospitals and nursing homes, cooking and repairing lawn equipment. He was blessed to be a care giver for his wife in her long term battle with cancer. He was doubly blessed to live to see his two grandchildren saved and baptized.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo Allgood Downs to whom he was happily married to for 59 years until her death July 4, 2017; and a brother-in-law, John E. Allgood (Nancy).
Survivors include a son, Daniel D. Downs of Utica and daughter, Debra M. Brown (Dennis) of Crestwood, KY, grandson, Joseph Downs “J.D.” Brown and granddaughter, Erin Brown both of Crestwood; two brothers, Morton B. Downs Jr. (Janelle) and Stanley D. Downs (Carolyn); several nephews and nieces; great nephews and great-nieces; and cousins.
There will not be any visitation. Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery in Henderson following a private service with Rev. Eugene Howard presiding. James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Sunrise Children’s Services, 300 Hope Street, P.O. Box 1429, Mt. Washington, KY 40047 or Walnut Memorial Baptist Church,519 W. Byers Ave. Owensboro, KY 42303 or Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.