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.