Gary Neal Downs

In loving memory of our beloved, Gary Neal Downs

Gary was born August 15, 1950, to the parents of Bob and Martha Downs. He is survived by his sister Nora, brother Ronnie, daughter Christie, daughter Taryn, son Erik, granddaughter Madeline, granddaughter Megan, grandson Noah, grandson Cash, grandson Baylor, granddaughter Avery, son-in-law Chris, daughter-in-law Lisa and son-in-law Brad.

Gary grew up in Arlington, Texas. He attended Sam Houston High School where he graduated early at the age of sixteen. Soon after he joined the Army and served two terms in the Vietnam War and received the Bronze Star for his meritorious (praiseworthy) service in a combat zone.

Gary and Diane met before he left for Vietnam. They reconnected upon his return and enjoyed a small wedding with family and friends on August 19, 1973. They shared 48 years together. During their marriage they raised three children, went back to school together, started new careers as paralegals, took their children on wonderful vacations, traveled with family members, and enjoyed their six grandchildren. Family was everything to Gary. He enjoyed family gatherings and always looked forward to a great meal. We remember him circling the kitchen in anticipation of mom’s San Francisco pork chops or him showing up early when we had reservations to go to one of his favorite restaurants. And he loved his snacks during a football game- chips and dip or his fiddle faddle (he had his own private stash that he would hide from us kids). Us kids still giggle about how steamed he would get when we would see him enjoying his snacks during the game and we would pass through the living room and grab a chip or two and he would always say “Now nobody wanted these until I got them out!” He just wanted to enjoy them in peace which was a big ask with three kids (as any parent knows).

Gary was a teddy bear disguised as a grizzly. He carried himself in a way that commanded respect yet had the biggest generous heart! Us kids will remember him as a man of integrity (he always did what he said he was going to do), loyal and incredibly patient (even when he got frustrated with us kids and his hands went to his hairline as he was exclaiming “Now why would you do that?” or “What were you thinking?”) His grandchildren have great memories of him too! He would bring them breakfast or their favorite donuts, take them for fast food after picking them up from school and spend time with them doing fun things they all enjoyed. He wanted to be remembered as giving and helpful-and he will be!

Gary was a lifelong Dallas Cowboy’s fan. Family members and friends always told him he looked like Jimmy Johnson. Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman were two of his favorite players. He loved it when the cowboys would win and Don Meredith would sing “Turn out the lights, the party’s over. All good things must come to an end” from the Willie Nelson song “The Party’s Over.” In fact, he sent these exact words in a text to his sister-in-law, Ginger while they were communicating just before he went into hospice care.

Gary passed away peacefully January 27, 2022, with his children and granddaughter at his side holding his hands. This world is less of a fun place without him. He is greatly missed by all those who loved him and knew him.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the DOWNS family.