Richard "Dick" Downs
June 06, 2018
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.
Ray and Linda Biddle - Pie Delight Pies
05/28/2021
Sherri So sorry i lost touch with Dick and you , i will miss catching up on the bondurant scene with Downs on the phone . He was one of the first people to welcome me to the city when i was getting the old building ready for the pie shop and often directed me who to seek help from when problems arose. he was a great guy and i will pray that i will see him again in heaven and may be we'll look up Bob wilson and Roy stoll and make a pie or two for old friends
Hope you and the family are well and have found peace in his passing Sinecerly Ray Biddle
Karen Armstrong
06/11/2018
Sherri, I am so sorry for the loss of Dick. We all loved seeing him at Bible Study. I recall the time I was with Virginia Whitaker at Brick Street Market having dinner and you guys were there. Virginia loved going over and talking to him. She was always asking about him. She went home to be with the Lord 3 months ago. Now Dick will be greeted there not only by Jesus but all those like Virginia & John who have gone on before him. Blessings to you and we'll see you at BS. Karen
Julie Derby
06/10/2018
Aunt Donna, We were so sorry to hear of Dick passing. We always enjoyed his company at family dinners. Prayers and love sent your way. Mark and Julie
Susan Glasgow
06/10/2018
Sherri, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so happy you were able to meet such a wonderful man to share your life with. Just meet Dick a couple of times, but the times I was around him, he always had a smile. He seemed like such a wonderful person. You and your family are in our thoughts any prayer.
Diane Watson
06/10/2018
Sherri, I am so sorry for your loss, so thankful you and Dick had one another. I am praying for you and if I can be if any help, please let me know
Kelly Murrow
06/09/2018
So sorry to here this. Dick was a lifetime friend of my family and father Wayne Murrow.I will miss his jokes and smile. We would be at the services but are in route to Kentucky. We will see you again in heaven. Sending our condolences and prayers for the family. Kelly and Sue Murrow.
Steve & Bettye Banning
06/09/2018
Not certain that we ever met a more personable and fun loving guy. Remember fondly, the times he would drop by the house just to chat. Shared a chance flight to Denver and Dick had us, and half the cabin, in stitches for the entire flight. Looking forward to seeing him again in glory!
Georgia Anderson
06/09/2018
So sorry for your loss Sherri I enjoyed getting to know Dick, Great man.
Julie McIntosh
06/08/2018
My heart is sad. Dick made me laugh every time I saw him. He loved to tease me about being # 2 or 3 behind "bird man". Sherri and family, I am so sorry. You are right..there will never be another like him. Great man!
Bluejay Boys Basketball 2009-10
06/07/2018
To Dick's Family, Dick became an integral part of a 9 game winning streak, and the LAST win in Basketball ever played @ the old high school in Bondurant. After being hospitalized, we visited Dick and then Dick "snuck" out to watch our final game! There he made it to the locker-room with his hospital bracelet on! His impact on us will be felt by our team and fans from that year for a lifetime! As, you said Dick, "Bob and Weave-Bob and Weave"
With Love-Bluejay Basketball 09-10
Janine Lewis
06/07/2018
Arlene Lewis and Family send sincere condolences.
Alan & Nancy Delpierre
06/07/2018
Friend
You have shared love & dreams with Dick, and he is now dancing with the angles.
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family