Gerald Downs

Gerald E. Downs, 81, of Shelby, Ohio died at home Thursday morning, November 6, 2003. He went home to be with his Lord after a long battle with cancer. Mr. Downs was born September 28, 1922 in Ontario, Ohio residing in the area all of his life. He was employed with Ohio Edison and Howley Company of Vermillion. He retired from Schmidt Security after several years at the gatehouse of Ohio Steel Tube in Shelby. He was active in the First Church of God in Shelby. He was an avid traveler and he and his wife traveled full time in an RV for 6 years 'seeing God's beautiful America.' He was also active with the Mid-Ohio Winnies RV group for many years. Mr. Downs was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army, Co 'C' 353rd Infantry, 89th Division.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara A. Stahl Downs; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda & Daniel Krizan of Mansfield and their family, Daniel P. III & Shanna Krizan and Daniel Krizan IV, Nicole and Morgen Conn; a son and daughter-in-law, Bryan & Dianna Downs and their family, Travis & Teresa Downs and Jordan, Tyler Downs and his fiancé, Anna, Andrew Nothstine and Jacob Nothstine; a step-daughter and son-in-law, Kristina & Larry Smith of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Abigail of Grand Rapids, Michigan; a stepson and daughter-in-law, Paul & Elaine Brown of Shelby and their family, Bradley, Rachel and Allyssa; stepson, Tim Brown and his family, Jessica & Scott Stacy and Christian; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Rhea Goetz, Juanita & Marvin Zody and Naomi & Fred Dapper; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Virgil & Ethel Downs and Raymond & Patricia Downs; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray F. & Harriet Siegfried Downs; his first wife, Gloria J. Riley Downs; and a brother-in-law, Henry Goetz.

Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors one hour prior to memorial services to be held Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. conducted by Rev. Ben Roby, Chaplain of Hospice of North Central Ohio. Military services will follow at Springmill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or Shelby Help-Line.