David Anthony Downes gave his first smile on January 13, 1971, in New York City. He took his last breath on November 26, 2023, in West Virginia. David spent his earliest years living in Brooklyn, New York. After spending a summer with his brother, Raymond, at their Uncle Ray and Aunt Sheila's home on Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, Montana, David declared that he loved the wide open spaces and the city was too small for him.. In keeping with David's desire for country living, the family decided, and agreed, that he would live with Uncle Ray and Aunt Sheila. For the next several years, they lived in various cities across the United States and Europe, eventually settling down in Austin, Texas, where David lived the remainder of his life.
David graduated from Bowie High School in 1989, after which he attended Prairie View A&M University to study criminology. His love for law enforcement led him to join the Sheriff's Department in Austin, as a Sheriff's Deputy. David also served as a police officer in Sunset Valley. His continued passion and commitment to law enforcement and peacekeeping, led to his most recent employment on the staff of the University of Texas, as a security officer. David was a strong advocate for social justice and in his quest to make a difference, he resumed his formal education, graduating from Austin Community College in 2017.
David was the beloved son of the late Argyle Harcourt Downes (Mickey) and Mary Joyce Bell-Downes, of New York. A loving nephew/son to Ernest (Ray) and Sheila Dones of Austin; cherished brother of Raymond Downes (Dawnyielle), West Virginia, adored uncle to Argyle; nephew of Ashley Downes (Bison) Barbados, Compton Downes (Canada), George Downes (Australia), Marva King (Florida), and Peggy Pilgrim-Bell (New York). He leaves to mourn his passing, a host of cousins, relatives and friends whose lives he touched with his loving kindness.
His wings were ready, our hearts were not. We shall miss him!
A visitation for David will be held Friday, December 15, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral H, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A graveside service will occur Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.
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