Douglas Wayne Downen

Douglas Wayne Downen of Apex passed away March 26, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. Born December 3, 1943 in Evansville, Indiana, Doug was the youngest son of the late William Downen and Elfrieda Brenner. Doug was raised in a rural environment learning to love nature, hunting and fishing, while developing a deep fascination of weather. He earned his Eagle Scout in high school, participated in national jamborees, and went on to attend St. Louis University where he earned his B.S. and Master’s Degree in Meteorology. Doug enjoyed a 35-year career with the Federal Government, first as a meteorologist in satellite research with the Navy in Norfolk, Virginia; program manager with the Naval Weather Research Facility in Monterey, California affiliated with the Naval Postgraduate School; program manager with the National Weather Service in Silver Spring, Maryland, and 25 years with the Department of Energy, Washington, D.C., as program manager in Nuclear Arms Control and Nonproliferation where he also earned a second Master’s Degree from his appointment to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Ft. McNair, an honor rarely afforded civilians. Retirement to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL brought a second career of almost 10 years with Watson Realty Corp.

Doug loved life, his family and friends, and will be fondly remembered by everyone he touched. He formed a strong affiliation with staff and fellow members of the Kraft Family YMCA where he participated in the Livestrong program. He adored gardening, family outings and gatherings, but most of all, he loved being PaPa “D” to his cherished grandchildren who gave him lots of happy memories.

Doug is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 42 years, Linda Downen; sons William (Brad) Downen of Jacksonville, FL; Thomas (Tod) Downen and wife Jennifer Downen of Holly Springs, NC; three grandchildren, Grace, Lucas, and Owen; his mother Elfrieda Brenner of Cary, NC; and his brother Thomas Downen of Palm Springs, CA.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at Apex Funeral Home, 550 West Williams Street, Apex, NC. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Apex Funeral Home. The family will also receive friends following the service at their home.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.