Shaun Thomas Downs

Shaun Thomas Downs a proud veteran of the United States Navy earned his angel wings on January 19, 2024 after bravely fighting neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer for nearly 7 years. Surrounded by his loving family, Shaun peacefully departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and commitment.  Born on April 15th, 1981, in Dallas, TX, Shaun enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 22. Serving with honor as an ABH3 Airman Boatswain Mate, he worked as an aircraft firefighter as part of the Crash and Salvage Crew on the forward deployed Amphibious Assault Ship USS Essex (LHD-2) stationed in Japan. Shaun also had the honor of serving on the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. Throughout his 7 ½ years of service, Shaun completed 9 deployments and received multiple medals for his exceptional contributions. As fate would have it, he met the love of his life, Raquel M. Cruz, during his time in Japan. They happily married in Raquel’s hometown, Tucson, Arizona, and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Rozalynn and Charlotte.

As a devoted husband and father, Shaun cherished his role in his girls' lives. He coached and watched his oldest daughter, Rozalynn play basketball, and made sure his youngest daughter, Charlotte had a great time at her basketball gym sessions. Shaun committed his life to his family and publicly adored his beloved bride, referring to her as “My Wife.” He enjoyed watching sports, playing golf and spending time with his extended family and friends. As a member of the Arizona Amateur Golf Tour, he won several golf tournaments while playfully bantering at tee time. Those that had the pleasure of knowing him laughed at his infectious jokes and sharp wit. He was a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan and fulfilled his bucket list dream of visiting Fenway Park with his family in 2018. He was a man of God, a caring father, and a committed husband that referred to Raquel as the beating heart and soul of their family. His tenacity, courage, love of family and God, and caring nature have left us with countless of cherished memories to carry with us.

Shaun had a passion for landscape design, leading him to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture. With a leap of faith and Raquel by his side, he started a landscape business from the ground up.  As a successful owner of Sundown Design & Landscape, he poured his heart into creating beautiful landscape designs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Raquel, and their two precious daughters, Rozalynn, and Charlotte, his parents, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

A Celebration of Life for Shaun will be held at Casas Christian Church in Oro Valley on March 8, 2024, at 9:30 AM MST. Internment will follow at 12:00 PM MST at Marana Veteran’s Cemetery. The family kindly requests green attire in honor of Shaun’s favorite color. For all monetary donations, please Zelle at (520) 981-4259. In honor of Shaun’s passion and in lieu of sending flowers, plant a tree in Arizona on Shaun’s behalf at https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/arizona.