Robert Joseph Downs

Robert J. Downs, 89, of Chesterhill died in the morning hours of Wednesday, December 30, 2020 while at home on his hilltop farm after just a two-week diagnosis of glioblastoma.

Robert was born on February 14, 1931 in Shawnee, one of nine children to the late, Grace (Cronin) and Michael Downs.

A traditional man, Bob left school and headed for a life of honor. He served his country as any proud man can in the United States Marine Corps. While he enlisted in 1948, Sergeant Downs would continue his bravery and sacrifice through the Korean Conflict until his tour ended in 1952. Following his stint with the Marines, Robert returned home to Ohio where he worked as a job setter for General Motors for the next few decades until his retirement. He continued his service to his fellow veterans by remaining involved and active in the VFW Trimble Township Post 9866, where he was currently the oldest member. A great joy that Bob had was for the work done on his family’s farm. Some of his happiest memories were made while baling hay or helping his son with their heads of cattle.

With his stoicism as a soldier, and his humility as a farmer, Robert’s greatest attribute was the unending love and appreciation he had for his family. He truly was a man for whom blood always ran thicker than water; his proudest times in life were the precious moments he spent being a father, grandfather and great-grandfather and an absolutely devoted husband to his late wife, Elma Mae. His family grieves through a vale of memories and times gone by but are grateful for the man who taught them how to live life.

Left to mourn his passing are his children, Joyce (John) Marsh and Craig (Shannon) Downs; his grandchildren, Jeremy (Thomasina) Kellner, Heather (Adam) Brown and Tiffany (Betsy) Downs; his great-grandchildren, Caleb Kellner, Keigan Kellner, Haylee Brown and Matthew Brown and Akillya Keplinger and his siblings, James Downs, Floyd (Judy) Downs, Charles (Pam) Downs and Harry (Carole) Downs.

In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elma Mae (Mingus) Downs who died May 14, 2017 and his siblings, Richard Downs, Jacob Downs, Betty Campbell and Leona Clapsaddle.

The Downs family will be receiving friends from 1:00-4:00 PM, on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at the Goebel Funeral Home, 36 N. Buckeye St., Crooksville. The elderly and most vulnerable visitors are encouraged to visit from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM the same day to ensure a safe visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, January 4 at the funeral home. Robert will then be buried in Dew Cemetery next to his wife. Full military honors will be rendered by the United States Marine Corps in conjunction with his brothers of the V.F.W.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to Dew Cemetery and to the American Brain Tumor Association

Condolences may be expressed on the funeral home’s website at www.goebelfuneralhome.com