Joseph "Joe" M. Downs' Obituary
Joseph "Joe" M. Downs, age 82, of Georgetown, DE, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. He was born in Lynchburg, VA, on May 4, 1930, son of the late Joseph H. and Mary V. (Rucker) Downs. His father was Secret Service and was seriously wounded during the President Truman assassination attempt.
Joe was a hard working, devoted, fun, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a long career with the U.S. Postal Service in Silver Spring, MD retiring as Maintenance Supervisor. Upon retirement 20 years ago, he relocated to Delaware and went to work for Delaware Solid Waste Management where he worked until 2009 at a collection station.
When Joe was not working, he enjoyed quality time with his family, cheering for his Redskins, deep sea fishing and hanging out at the Post with his many friends. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. Joe was also a Navy man who loved and served his country for almost five years during the Korean Conflict. He was a lifetime member of American Legion Post #28 in Oak Orchard and AmVets Post #2 in Millsboro.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Barbara (Comer) Downs in 1986. He is survived by his wife of 20 years Patricia A. (Mekeel) Downs of Georgetown, DE; three sons: Daniel F. Downs of Chambersburg, PA, Timothy Downs and his wife Lorraine of Damascus, MD and John P. Downs of Frederick, MD; two step-daughters: Kimberly Digges and her husband John of Walkersville, MD and Niki McFall and her husband Andy of Annapolis, MD; three grandsons: Shaun Downs, Joseph Downs and Chris Downs; six granddaughters: Michelle Riddle, Kristen Downs, Teresa Downs, Carolyn Carey, Sheridan McFall and Alexia McFall; three great-grandchildren: Olivia, Romeo and Tyler; and two brothers: Rev. James E. Downs of Millsboro, DE and William R. Downs and his wife Barbara of Oak Hill, WV.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 14, 2012, at 11:00 AM, at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church, 202 Edward Street, Georgetown, DE. Entombment will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Georgetown, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael the Archangel Church at the above address for Mass intentions for Joe.
Please sign Joe's online guestbook at this site.
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