Richard "Dick" Downs

June 06, 2018

Service Details

Dick was born in Bondurant, Iowa, to George Victor Downs and Elaine O. Nelson. He graduated from Bondurant High School and lived there for over 70 years. After high school graduation Dick attended Grandview College. He served his country in the National Guard for over a decade. His first job after college was selling vacuum cleaners, which resulted in the nickname “Hoover.” He started working for U.S. West in the 1960’s, selling Yellow Page advertising, then repair and installation, retiring in the 1990’s. His love of farming led to doing custom farming for a number of years. After retiring he was employed by utility companies acquiring easements.

If you were going to describe Dick in one word, it would be exceptional. He was the epitome of what a husband should be, and a wonderful father and friend. Dick’s hobby was people – he knew no strangers. He loved people and knew just about everybody – and if he didn’t know a person, he probably knew their parents or grandparents. Dick accepted the Lord as his savior at a young age. He loved the Lord and he loved his church and his church family.

Dick was such a fun person and loved to hear a good joke and tell them also. When Dick was around there was never a dull moment. He loved his family, loved his friends and loved life. There will never be another like Dick Downs.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and an uncle, Freddy, who died serving in World War II. He is survived by his loving wife, Sherri, and three loving children – Pam Cotton (Steven), Stacy Hodges (David) and Jeff Downs; stepsons, Scott Starman (LeAnn), and Darren Starman (Jennifer) and their families; and four grandchildren, Tanner Samila (Danielle), Liam Hodges, Jeff Downs and Sibley Cotton; sister, Donna Worthington (Max) of Newton; nephews Joel Worthington (Karen) and Brad Worthington (Michelle) and multiple great nieces and nephews

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 11, 2018, at NewLife Church, 6036 NE 12th Avenue in Pleasant Hill with burial to follow at Bondurant Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, June 10th at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW.

Memorial contributions can be made to New Life Church. Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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