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Gerald Meling “Jerry” Downs

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Gerald Meling “Jerry” Downs

Birth	:	21 Oct 1926 Montour, Tama County, Iowa, USA
Death	:	19 Feb 2019 Marshalltown, Marshall County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Maple Hill Cemetery, Montour, Tama County, USA
Coordinate	:	41.9756012, -92.7069016
Description	:	Gerald M. Downs, 92, of Marshalltown, died on February 19, 2019, at Iowa River Hospice House in Marshalltown. Funeral Services at Marshalltown Church of the Nazarene in Marshalltown. Combined Military Honors by Marshalltown VFW Post 839 Harry C. Harter Post and Marshalltown Frank Lewis Glick American Legion Post 46. Interment in Maple Hill Cemetery in Montour, Iowa. Jerry was born on October 21, 1926, the son of Earl A. and Clara (Meling) Downs of Montour, Iowa. Growing up in a farming community, Jerry said of his mother, "She could milk a cow faster than anyone." Read More	Gerald M. Downs, 92, of Marshalltown, died on February 19, 2019, at Iowa River Hospice House in Marshalltown. Funeral Services at Marshalltown Church of the Nazarene in Marshalltown. Combined Military Honors by Marshalltown VFW Post 839 Harry C. Harter Post and Marshalltown Frank Lewis Glick American Legion Post 46. Interment in Maple Hill Cemetery in Montour, Iowa. Jerry was born on October 21, 1926, the son of Earl A. and Clara (Meling) Downs of Montour, Iowa. Growing up in a farming community, Jerry said of his mother, "She could milk a cow faster than anyone." During Montour High School, Jerry established himself as an exceptional athlete playing baseball and basketball, qualifying for State Tournaments, and proud to have beaten Marshalltown, Ames, and Dowling High Schools. Drafted to the military as a high school senior, Jerry departed in January, 1945, bound for Korea. Sent to guard and protect the 38th parallel border, he served in the U.S. Army, 32nd Infantry Regiment, and received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and WW II Victory Medal. Upon his return, he received his high school diploma, and continued his studies at Marshalltown Junior College in pursuit of a career as a history teacher and coach. Then the "new girl," Donna Dunham, moved to town and became the love of his life. They married, and to this union were born Rick, Jim, Gerry, John, and Cindy. In 1958, Jerry joined a partnership forming Robbins & Downs Painting, and in 1960 moved the family to Marshalltown and established the professional painting company of Downs Painting & Decorating. Under his leadership, the company grew to serve the painting needs of the community, and today, its operation is in its third generation of the Downs' family. Together with Donna, his wife of 68 years, they enjoyed their children and grandchildren, and took many camping and fishing trips. The trips would culminate with everyone enjoying Jerry's fresh fish-frys. He loved the outdoors; gardening, hunting, fishing, and cutting elm trees for his roaring-hot wood burning stove. He was a true woodsman finding solitude and peace in his native, untouched timber land. He was a member of B.P.O. Elks Club, lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, Marshall Lodge No. 108, member of the Frank Lewis Glick American Legion, lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and attended the First Church of the Nazarene. Left to honor his legacy are his sons Dr. Richard (Colette) Downs of Dubuque, Iowa, Jim (Marilyn) Downs, Gerry (Debbie) Downs, and his daughter Cindy (Joe) Mummert, and daughter-in-law Judy Downs, all of Marshalltown; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother William Downs of Dubuque, Iowa, and longtime friend, Jean Hinegardner. Jerry was preceded in death by his son, John Downs, wife Donna Dunham Downs, great-granddaughter Siena Downs, and parents Earl and Clara Downs of Montour, and siblings, Lucille Downs Leiba and Gordon Downs. Memorials may be directed to Marshalltown Christian School. Jesus said... "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." Anderson Funeral Homes, Marshalltown, Iowa

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Gerald Meling “Jerry” Downs's memorial?
Gerald Meling “Jerry” Downs's memorial is located at: Maple Hill Cemetery, Montour, Tama County, USA.
When did Gerald Meling “Jerry” Downs death?
Gerald Meling “Jerry” Downs death on 19 Feb 2019 in Marshalltown, Marshall County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Gerald Meling “Jerry” Downs's memorial?
Latitude: 41.9756012
Longitude: -92.7069016

Family Members:

Parent

Earl A. Downs

(1897 - 1985)

Clara M. Meling Downs

(1892 - 1972)

Spouse

Donna J Dunham Downs

(1929 - 2016)

Siblings

Gordon Earl “Sock” Downs

(1923 - 1996)

Children

Gerry Kenneth Downs

(1952 - 2021)

John R. Downs

(1954 - 2008)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Maple Hill Cemetery
Montour, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9756012, -92.7069016

2. Rouse Cemetery
Montour, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9967003, -92.6875000

3. Butlerville Cemetery
Tama, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9973000, -92.7300000

4. McIntosh Cemetery
Tama, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9868890, -92.6453060

5. West Cemetery
Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9749985, -92.6306000

6. Stavanger Friends Cemetery
Le Grand, Marshall County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9673500, -92.7858000

7. Meskwaki Cemetery
Tama, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9730988, -92.6256027

8. Strand Lutheran Cemetery
Dunbar, Marshall County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9420433, -92.7793467

9. Friends Cemetery
Le Grand, Marshall County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0062000, -92.7856000

10. Turner Cemetery
Garwin, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0355988, -92.6691971

11. Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Le Grand, Marshall County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0210991, -92.7758026

12. Croskrey Cemetery
Tama, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9401000, -92.6242500

13. Mattingly Cemetery
Garwin, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0527000, -92.6984000

14. Dobson Cemetery
Garwin, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0527344, -92.7479553

15. Dodson Cemetery
Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0527992, -92.7478027

16. Korns Cemetery
Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8918991, -92.6941986

17. Trinity Lutheran Cemetery
Dillon, Marshall County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9650002, -92.8227997

18. Saint Patricks Cemetery
Tama, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9789009, -92.5757980

19. Woodlawn Cemetery
Toledo, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.9866982, -92.5699997

20. Maple Grove Cemetery
Tama, Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8913994, -92.6268997

21. Bowles Cemetery
Green Mountain, Marshall County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0493147, -92.8053903

22. Rock Creek Cemetery
Tama County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0793991, -92.7283020

23. Rock Valley Cemetery
Le Grand, Marshall County, USA
Coordinate: 42.0078011, -92.8452988

24. Prairie View Cemetery
Gilman, Marshall County, USA
Coordinate: 41.8871710, -92.7961460