Dr.Haskell Edward Downs, M.D.

Dr Haskell Edward (Ed) Downs M.D. Dr Downs passed away Saturday morning at 2am at his home in Georgetown, Texas at the age of 82. Ed is survived by his wife, Emily (Yummy) Loving Downs and his sister Patricia Rudd of Waskom, Texas. Ed and Yummy were married in 1952 and enjoyed 56 wonderful years together. They raised and nurtured 5 children and were blessed with 9 grandchildren and 4 sons and daughters in law: Haskell Edward Downs II, Tricia Belknap, Mary Downs, Carl Downs, Margie Udden, Brook Riley, Ryan Belknap, Trevor Downs, Rachel Downs, Kristin Downs, Mackenzie Downs, Logan Downs, Kalie Udden and Ashley Udden, Steve Belknap, Karen Downs, Pam Downs and Andy Udden. Ed was Born January 10th, 1926 in Orange, Texas, the child of Hazel Eaton Downs and Haskell Prindle Downs. He attended Culver Military Academy in high school and entered the service through the Navy's V-12 program. He then attended Southwest Medical School, and graduated in 1952 with a Doctor of Medicine degree, at which time he married Yummy. They moved to Wichita Falls where Ed completed a 2 year internship at Wichita General Hospital in 1954. He then went to Henry Ford hospital in Detroit, where he was recognized in Internal Medicine and as Chief Medical Resident. In 1960, Ed moved his family to El Paso where he resided until he retired. Ed and Yummy eventually settled in Georgetown, Texas to be near family. From a one-room office, Ed grew his practice to many thousands of patients, serving Sun Towers, Providence, and many other hospitals in El Paso. Ed taught himself Spanish, and donated an enormous amount of time helping economically disadvantaged people in the Lower Valley. His abilities as a physician were recognized by all his patients and other doctors in El Paso. In 1970, he saw the need for a hospital in East El Paso and with that vision founded Eastwood Hospital known today as Del Sol Medical Center. Ed was a wonderful husband and father, leading a consistent Christ-centered life. He was raised in the Methodist Church, and raised his family in the same tradition, attending United Trinity Methodist in El Paso. He read the Holy Bible every day. Everyone in the family, including cousins and relatives looked up to "Big Ed" for advice. Ed enjoyed golf, hunting and camping. Many great memories were born in the wilderness of New Mexico. He loved to travel, taking his family to such places as California, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Europe. He had a passion for history and particularly enjoyed studying the Civil War era. Ed was a compassionate man who never hesitated to help someone in need. He loved to tell jokes and coined many sayings that his family members often quote, including "Pitch 'til you win!" Ed's greatest trait was his ability to survive hardship and inspire others. He survived 2 cancers and stoically managed his failing health. Through it all, and with the help of his loving wife, Ed kept a positive attitude - an inspiration to all who knew him. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2008 in First United Methodist Church in Georgetown with Dr. Jim Porter officiating. Interment will follow to Our Lady of The Rosary Cemetery. Friends wishing to pay their respects may do so throughout the day on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at the Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown or one hour prior to the service in the church. For additional information, please go online at: www.the-downs.com. In lieu of sending flowers, Ed's family would ask that you consider donating to the American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org.