In yesterday's posting, I meant to include myself among those who loved our cousin, Jon, and miss him very much.  He was always so pleasant and entertaining.  He was much loved by his late uncles and aunts on the Morgan side of his family:  Gordon, Guy, Elise and Miriam.  Jon's maternal grandparents were Franklin "Frank" Ezekiel Morgan, a jeweler and optometrist, and his wife, Lula Ethel Gordon.  Jon lived in their Richland, GA home as a child.  He told me that he enjoyed going to see movies in Richland with our grandfather.

Jon was my first cousin.  His mother, Frankie, was one of my mother's siblings.  My sister and brother and our four first cousins all loved Jon and miss him very much. We always enjoyed his visits, usually accompanied by Aunt Frankie, to our homes and to our Grandmother's home in Richland.

I had no idea that sweet Jon had left us. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known. I had a blast starring in Jon's productions with Jim Whaley, Larry Swain, and Hannah Hamlet. I miss you Jon - I miss your talent - I miss your laughter - and I miss our friendship. Thank you Jon - you were the best!

Jon was my half-uncle and I'm trying to reach some family.  I believe in a prior post I mentioned him as step-uncle but he was half-uncle.  JCDunigan@charter.net

Mr. Downs was one of the best teachers that I ever had.  Was in several shows the he directed @ Dekalb college in 74, 75 and 76. Sympathy to his family.  God Bless.

Jon,
   Thank you for everything you did for me.  You were a place of comfort and peace during many years for me.  I am very sad to find out about your passing.  I had come by your house several times recently to see you not knowing that you had left us.  
Doug Hall

I never met Jon but we talked on the phone, emailed for years and wrote to each other.  He was my step-uncle.  His father was also my mother's father (different wives).  Jon was gracious to send me lots of info on his father, my grandfather, C. C. Downs.  We often talked about our family genealogy.  Rest in peace Jon...your life has touched so many lives.

My heart aches for Mr. Downs and you.  Please never allow anyone to tell you "God takes people" or a person's death is “God's will".  The Bible proves it is not true at James 1:13, God states He would never be the cause of anyone's pain or hurt. Keep praying for the answers to your questions because He will answer you with love and clarity.

I will never forget  doing improv with this great teacher and Dekalb college!

Jon Downs was my first director...I met him during the spring of 1975 during the school's spring one-act play festival, returning to major in drama at Dekalb College...shows like "Man Who Came To Dinner", the Bicentennial Drama Tour of GA Parks in 1976, "Dark Of The Moon".  When I became a drama teacher at Clarkston High School, he was kind enough to lend me light trees and some set pieces.  I am continuing to act in the tri-state area and teach Drama to elementary students...this would not have been possible without Jon.  "Then to the elements,
Be free, and fare thou well!"  RIP Mr. Downs!

I still have great memories of being in Jon's Speech Class and of all the dramas I was a part of under his direction at "Dekalb College" back in the mid-70's.  It was a blast!  He'll surely be missed.
Bill Brice

May the God of comfort be with you at this time of sorrow

Jon Downs was an integral part of my life during my years at Dekalb College.  In fact, he was the one who cast and directed me and Jimmy, my husband now, as Portia and Brutus in Julius Caesar in 1994. Four years later, we got married.  So, I owe all my happiness to him!  He was such a funny, warm and insightful person.  I have always thought of him as a mentor.  I have so many fond memories of all the plays he directed (especially the one-acts that he wrote).  I'd like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to his son, Steven and his family.  He was deeply admired and loved by so many. May God bless you all during this difficult time.

What wonderful memories I have of Mr. Downs as he inspired me to reach within and discover a part of me I didn't know existed.  Only a few teachers had such a lasting impact and he was at the top of my list.  Thank you, Mr. Downs for your guidance, inspiration, and encouragement. Your influence will forever live.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

The Downs family have my condolences.  Peace that God gives will be with the family during this time of grief and in the days ahead. ~Romans 15:33~

The world will be a lesser place for his absence.  He had a profound effect on me during my years at DeKalb.  I can still remember sitting at the Pizza place with Jim Whaley, Larry Swain, Sharon Johns, Greg Latham, Paul Gendreau and myself, playing movie trivia until they kicked us out! Those were some of the best times of my life. He will always be remembered.

I am deeply saddened by Jon's passing.  He was a close associate of my late husband, Jim Sligh, who introduced me to Jon and the pleasure of his company many years ago.  My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family.

May God Bless the family with their loss.

Lynn Norton, a Murphy High School Classmate

I picture a line of luminary playwrights, lining up at the Pearly Gates. Tennesse Williams is jostling Shaw out of the way. Arthur Miller is fidgeting and Samuel Beckett is rolling his eyes. They're all waiting for Jon to stroll in, light his cigarette and get comfortable so that they can ask him to direct their heavenly plays. Mae West and Marilyn are primping for their cold readings. Dorothy Parker is just biding her time. She's not going to perform, but she'd love to just sit down and have a drink with the man. Scotland Michaels just shoves all of them out of the way and stakes out the front of the queue. The world is a bit less fun right now, but heaven is in for a heckuva show!

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Jon and I taught together at GPC for a couple of decades.  I know Jon will be missed by many.  I offer sympathy to family and his Many friends.
Lane Wells

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Jon Franklin Downs

15 septembre 1938 – 3 novembre 2013

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