Biography

Frank Clayton Downes, 80 of Lewes, DE passed away on Monday, January 11, 2010, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, DE. Born Sunday, July 14, 1929 in Bridgeville, DE, he was the son of the late Carlton and Ida (Beebe) Downes. He was a life-long resident of Sussex County.

"Clayton" as he was commonly called, loved to watch and play all sports. During his school days, he played basketball, football and baseball for Bridgeville High School. In the early 1950's, he played baseball and basketball for the towns on Harrington, Hickman and Lewes. He also boxed lightweight during that same time. From 1951 until 1953, he served in the US Army and was stationed in the United States and Germany.

Clayton owned and operated Rickards and Ramsey Market in Lewes for 12 years and he was a Meat Cutter. He enjoyed playing and telling jokes and met with his friends each morning at Arby's in Lewes for coffee and exchanging stories. He also enjoyed NASCAR but most of all, Clayton enjoyed spending time with his family.

Clayton is survived by his wife of 57 years, Loretta (Laughery) Downes; two daughters, Kim Douglas and her husband Tim of Bear, DE and Julie Yakimowicz and her husband Rick of Lewes, DE; two grandchildren, Kacie Rae and Ricky Yakimowicz of Lewes; and one step-grandson, Jordan M. Douglas of Pennsylvania.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday. January 15, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958 or to Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or to White's Chapel United Methodist Church, Route 1, Overbrook, Milton, DE 19968.

Please sign the guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com

Memorial Service

Friday January 15, 2010, 11 AM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium
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Interment - Private

White's Chapel Cemetery
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