Gary Downs age 71, of Ames Iowa died Saturday July 17, 2010 at University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. Gathering of Friends and Family will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday July 21st at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way with a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 11:00 AM Thursday July 22nd at First United Methodist Church in Ames. Gary was cremated and inurnment will be at a later date in Rushville, IL.
Gary was born August 15, 1938 in Rushville, IL the son of Clifford and Beulah (Chipman) Downs. He graduated from Rushville High School. He married Norma Rebman on July 7, 1956 in Rushville, IL. He then received his BS in 1964 teaching at Avon, IL, and Rich Township High School Olympia Fields, IL. In 1969 he received his MS from Western IL and in 1972 his EdD from Northern Colorado. He worked three years for the State of Iowa living in Ankeny before coming to Iowa State University as a Professor of Curriculum and Instruction retiring in 1999. Gary was a member Ames Lions Club, NSTA, Iowa Academy of Science, First United Methodist Church, UMM, and the Izaak Walton League of Ames.
He is survived by his wife Norma of Ames, sons, Kraig (Joni) Downs of Pella, Kevin Downs of Ames, grandchildren Michael and Jeremy, Downs of Des Moines, Larissa, Sarah, and Aaron Downs of Pella, and great grandchildren, Mason, Carson and Addison Downs of Ames, one sister, Marjorie Byers of Baltimore, brothers, Dwayne Downs and Merlin Downs of Rushville, IL.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one infant son Robert Downs, 2 sisters and 2 brothers.
Memorials may be directed to the family at this time.
On line condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
Aunt Norma, Kevin, Kraig and family - you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted By: Marsha (Downs) Wells - on July 21, 2010
Gary bowled with our team in the ISU Faculty/Staff league for the past several years. Despite health struggles that held him back physically, he was truly a great teammate and always brought a positive outlook. We will certainly miss him.
Posted By: Charlie Block - on July 20, 2010
Our sympathy to your whole family. We will miss seeing him at basketball games.
Posted By: Emmett and Mary Stevermer - on July 20, 2010
Norma and family, I will miss shaking his hand and having him ask me about my studies. My prayers are with you.
Posted By: Stuart Gardner - on July 19, 2010
Kevin, my sympathy to your whole family. Sincerely, Shary Albaugh
Posted By: Shary Albaugh - on July 19, 2010
Professor Downs was one of the BEST I had at Iowa State! Blessings to his family!!
Posted By: Sherri Hansen Gray Class of 1988 - on July 19, 2010
Norma and family, thinking of you
Posted By: Mitch and Lisa Downs - on July 18, 2010
Norma and Family, We are very sorry to hear of your loss.
Posted By: Doug and Becky Paris - on July 18, 2010
Norma and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Gary. He was a terrific person and neighbor and friend to us. He will never be forgotten and our prayers are with all of you at this time. Please let us know if you need anything.
God Bless you all.
Posted By: Gary and Nancy Farmer and Family - on July 18, 2010
Norma and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Everyone will miss him. Take care and let us know if you need anything.
Posted By: Dennis & Jan Whaley, friends - on July 18, 2010
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