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On October 2, 2021, John “Al” Downs, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend of many past away peacefully with his family at his side at the age of 74.
On September 20, 1947, Al was born in Marion, Ohio to Glen and Ida Downs. He graduated from Marion Harding High School, class of 1966 where he ran hurdles for the track team and was the manager of the football team. After graduation he served in the United States Army before marrying his wife of 51 years, Lorna Kaye (Snow) Downs, March 6, 1970.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Lorna, his daughter Alison (Boyd) Fitzwilliam (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), his grandsons Connor and Samuel Richards (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), and Hunter Downs (Marion, Ohio), his sister Ida Downs Miller (Marion, Ohio), and many, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Karen Kaye Metzger (Delaware, Ohio), and by his son, Matthew Glen Downs (Marion, Ohio).
He spent his early years working as a foreman in multiple steel foundries. His work moved him from Ohio to Illinois, to Omaha, and back to Marion. He was a great driver, and when the foundry closed, he worked for Swift trucking company, but found he did not like being away from Lorna. He went on to drive busses for Marion City School District and worked as a driving instructor for Alt’s driving school. He lived in Marion for 28 years before moving to Oklahoma City to spend his last days with his wife, daughter, son in-law, and 2 grandsons.
Al’s passion in life was his family. He was never too busy to say no to any request no matter how big or small. He took his daughter to gymnastic meets all over the state of Illinois after working long hours through the week. He selflessly gave his time to clean the gym where she practiced gymnastics when money was tight to help pay for her fees. He spent many hours at baseball practices with both his son and grandson, and took time to throw baseballs in the backyard to improve their batting. His wife and he enjoyed taking their children camping and spending time having bonfires in the back yard. He loved to fish and when his grandsons were old enough, he created many memories teaching them how to cast a line and exercise patience. When his son died, he helped raise his grandson, Hunter, taking him every weekend. As a husband he was a great provider and friend. He told Lorna that he loved her every day. She describes him as kind and gentle. His most precious trait is that he never spoke to his family in a cross or irritated tone, even when he was exhausted. He was beloved by all his family and friends. If his family was not his first passion, then it would have been the Ohio State Buckeyes. Al’s favorite place to be was in his “Cadillac” recliner watching Ohio State Football on his brand new 70 inch TV.
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Go Bucks!
A celebration of Al’s Life will be held at 2 PM, Saturday October 16th,
2021
Marion Salem United Methodist Church
1640 Salem Rd.
Caledonia,
OH 43314
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