Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Raymond E. Downs

Raymond E. “Ray” Downs, age 93, of Shelby, died Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at The Willows at Willard.

Ray was born May 13, 1925 in Mansfield, the son of the late Ray F. and Harriet (Siegfried) Downs. He was a graduate of Springfield Local Township High School. He began his working career in the welding department at Gorman Rupp Corp. and retired from there as a purchasing agent after 40+ years of service. Ray was also a farmer all of his life.

He was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Shelby and was very active in the Shelby community. He and his wife, Pat, were the recipients of the Jess Rath Christian Service Award, delivered Meals on Wheels for over 25 years, was a track official for the Shelby High School track team and volunteered at the Renaissance Theater in Mansfield. He enjoyed traveling – even if it was just a Sunday afternoon drive to look at a beautiful fall leaves or watch a sunset.

On September 5, 1948, Ray married Patricia Mae “Pat” (Ford) Downs and together they raised 4 children who survive: Suzanne (Wes) DeVene of Willard, David (Andrea)Downs of Shelby, Philip (Ann)Downs of Shelby, Dwight Downs of Birmingham, AL. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren: Sara DeVene, Andrew (Allison) DeVene, Adam (Megan) Downs, Whitney (James) Rule, Jeffrey (Ashley) Downs, Brad (Angela) Downs, Christina Downs, Melissa Downs, Matt Downs, Emma Downs, Gabriel Downs, Martha Claire Downs; 7 great grandchildren: Molly and Mason Downs, Harper Rule, Lucas and Eliot DeVene, Nolan and Oliver Downs; 2 sisters: Juanita Zody and Naomi (Fred) Dapper both of Mansfield; 2 sisters-in-law: Ethel Downs of Mansfield and Barbara Downs of Ashland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Mae Downs in 2013 and 3 siblings: Virgil Downs, Gerald Downs, Rhea (Henry) Goetz and a brother-in-law, Marvin Zody.

Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, August 12, 2018 from 2-5 pm at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 13, 2018 at 10:30 am at the First United Methodist Church, 18 South Gamble Street, Shelby, with Rev. Garland Harvey, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby. Memorial expressions may be made to the church.

To send a message of sympathy or to share a memory with the Downs family, please visit penwellturner.com

Memories & Condolence

  1. Peggy Goetz Price says:

    To Uncle Raymond’s family,
    We are all so sorry to hear of Uncle Raymond’s passing. We will keep him and all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
    The Goetz kids
    Dan & Beth Goetz Weatherford, TX
    Jerry & Becky {Goetz} McCord Sterling, IL
    Frank & Peggy {Goetz} Price Summerville, SC
    John & Leeanne Goetz Amelia Island, FL

  2. Ann Imhoff says:

    So very sorry for the loss of Raymond. He was such a great man and along with his wife was a great asset to Shelby. Prayers to all

  3. Lawrence Frontz says:

    Dave and family: So sorry for the loss of your father. Prayers for all.

  4. Pam Sanders says:

    Suzanne,Dave, and families,
    I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s so difficult losing your parents! Thoughts and comfort sent your way!

  5. Deacon Denny Burkett says:

    Phil,
    My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your dad was such a nice person.
    Please know that you you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  6. Steve & Barb Peebles says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. Know that we hold many wonderful memories of your dad in our thoughts at this time. Praying for comfort and a healing time of celebration of a special life. Know that we are frustrated that we will not be able to be at either calling hours or the service at FUMC.

  7. Vicki Farnwalt says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. May your memories of him be happy ones.

  8. Kim and Allen Thorn says:

    Phil and Anne…so sorry to hear of Grandpa Downs passing. He was such a sweet man. We will always remember how he talked of his beloved wife and how he loved pie…I don’t think we will ever have a piece of pie that we don’t think of him.

  9. Reed Castor says:

    Dave,
    So sorry to hear about your father. He was a great man. Prayers to you and your family.

  10. Kathy and Kent Snyder says:

    Dave and Andrea,
    I am so sorry to read about your dad’s passing. He was like a grandpa to so many track athletes. What a kind man ! I was blessed to chat with him at the Willows. Our prayers to all the family.
    Kathy Snyder

  11. Barb Crundwell says:

    Dear Downs Family, I am so sorry for your lost. Your dad worked for me at the theatre for many years. He was always ready to help where ever he was needed. I enjoyed working with both of your parents and I know you will miss them. They were so much fun to be around. Sending my prayers your way may God bless you all.

  12. Ann Cooper says:

    Dave & Andrea and family, Just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Although I did not know Ray, he had a full rewarding life by all of his accomplishments. This is a legacy he has left for his family. May the memories and wonderful time you had together help you through the difficult days ahead. God’s blessing on all of you.

  13. Patti Herring says:

    Downs Family,
    So sorry for your loss. Grandpa Downs was very special and loved by many. Prayers to all.
    Patti, Katie and Hal

  14. Valerie and Roy Watrous says:

    To the Downs. Family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this difficulty time
    Valerie and Roy

  15. Joann Hipsher says:

    Mr. Downs was my Sunday School teacher when I was in the 5th grade. He was a very caring man and impacted many people in our church and in the community. So sorry to hear of his passing. Thinking of all of the family and hoping that your many happy memories will comfort you at this time.
    Joann and James Hipsher

  16. Larry & Marsha Predieri says:

    We always enjoyed talking to Ray when we were at the rest home during the Friday morning bible study and hymn singing. Sorry to hear of his passing.

  17. Tom Hadley says:

    So sorry to hear of Raymonds passing. One could not know him without liking him. He was a wonderful human being.

  18. Ron and Linda (McNew) Nelson says:

    To the Downs Family,
    Please accept our sympathies and prayers for the passing of Ray.
    The Ron Nelson Family

  19. Joan Twiss says:

    What an example of an stellar human being. Kind, generous, involved in his community, loved, active and a positive influence wherever he went. God bless him and his beautiful family. How lucky were we all to Benifits from his life, legacy and his family.

  20. Gale Pittenger says:

    Dave and family,
    So sorry to hear of your loss. I’m sure God has found a special place in heaven for him. Prayers to all.

  21. Lois Skulski says:

    Suzie, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing – I just read it in the Whippet Echoes. I remember times spent at your house and your dad always was so sweet and kind. I think of you so often and hope you are doing well. Praying for you and all the family during this time.

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