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© Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home
Submitted by: TD
Charles "Chuck" Downs a respected citizen of Durant, Oklahoma and beloved family member passed from this earthly life into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday, November 7, 2014 at the age of 74 years 4 months and 16 days. He was born in New Allison, Oklahoma on Saturday, June 22, 1940 at home to Ernest and Alma (Cavender) Downs. Chuck married his best friend and partner in life Sherry Horton in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, July 30, 2007.
Chuck’s childhood was spent helping out on the family farm. He developed a love for the game of basketball and in 1957 he was proud to be a part of the Calera High School State Championship team. After high school Chuck enlisted in the United States Army and in 1964 he began to work for the C.R. Anthony Department Store. Chuck was always a hard worker with a strong work ethic so he was soon made the manager of a store in the Oklahoma City area. In the late 70’s he moved back home to Durant where he managed the Anthony’s store until 1982, at that time he was promoted to the Head Shoe Merchandiser for the company. He traveled the world designing and naming shoes for the CR Anthony Department Store chain. Upon his retirement Chuck moved back to Durant area where was involved in many activities and organizations. He was the Economic Development and Durant Chamber of Commerce Director, sold real estate, served on the Durant School Board, as well as the State School Board, owned Unity Hospice, worked in numerous areas at the Choctaw Resort, and lastly was the circulation manager for the Durant Democrat. Chuck was deeply involved and committed to local service organizations such as the Kiwanis Club where he served as President, Lt. Governor 3 years and was presented the prestigious Hickson award. He also served on the Durant Multi-Sports Complex, as well as United Way.
Chuck had a passion for his Church, friends and community. But the most important thing to him was his family, his grandchildren were his greatest joy he never missed any of their activities. He had one daughter Charlotte Downs-Hamil who was the light of his life. They shared a special bond that everyone could see. He loved to listen to her sing and never missed a performance. Eventually he was blessed with 3 other daughters Latesha, Stephanie, and Ashley. He loved them as if they were his own.
Chuck loved the game of golf. He made numerous hole-in-ones and then fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. He was a Deacon and active member of the First Baptist Church, and loved to sing in the Choir and especially looked forward to singing in the Living Christmas tree each year. Chuck strived to never miss his Tuesday night Men’s Bible study group where he fellowshipped with his close friends. He continued his love for basketball as a local referee for Bryan County. Chuck not only refereed the games, but he kept up with the players always recalling them fondly in his memories. Chuck never met a stranger and was always ready to help others. He wanted to make his community the best it could be. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by Sherry Horton Downs, of Durant, daughter Charlotte Downs-Hamil and her husband Shawn, of Durant, Stepdaughters, Latesha Arnold and her husband Levi, of Durant, Stephanie Curtis and her husband Doug, of Durant, Ashley Taylor and her husband Brett of Ft. Worth, Texas. Brothers Bill Downs, Edmond, Bobby Downs, Durant, and sister Joyce Attaway Durant. Nieces Natalie Dlugonski, Edmond, Erica Downs, Dallas, Texas Nephews Greg Downs, Edmond, and Kyle Downs, Durant. Numerous Grandchildren. Zack and Drew Hamil, Maddox and Hadlee Arnold, Addison, Brady, and Cameron Curtis, Hudson Taylor, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Ernest Downs, mother Alma Downs, brother Kenny Downs, nephew Mark Downs, Uncle Dalton “Ducky” Cavender, in-laws, R.C. and Betty Horton, brother-in-law Tommy Attaway, Aunt Marie Maddox and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family has requested that memorial be made to the First Baptist Church, the Gideon’s or the Kiwanis.
A gathering of friends and family will be Monday, November 10 from 7-8:00 PM at Holmes ~ Coffey ~ Murray Funeral Home in Durant. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Durant with Rev. James Robinson officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Shawn Hamil, Doug Curtis, Levi Arnold, Brett Taylor, Greg Downs, Mike Cavender, Brian Boon, Kevin Hamil, Joe Barrett, and Rick Young. The honorary pallbearers will be Wesley Smithheart, Dub Hart, Roger Hedgecock, Ron Coker, Class of 1957 state basketball team, First Baptist Choir and the Tuesday evening Men’s Bible study group.
Family and friends may send online condolences and view tributes at www.holmescoffeymurray.com.
Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Oklahoma.
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