C.h. "Sonny" Downs

C. H. "Sonny" Downs

Clarence Herbert Downs died peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2015 at his home in Alexandria, surrounded by his family and friends. He was the beloved husband of Burma Dyer Downs, whom he married in 1964. Sonny was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, businessman and friend.

Sonny was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on July 10, 1933, to Charles Edward and Eula Beauboeuf Downs. He was the youngest of ten siblings.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Eunice Downs Sayes, Ilda Downs Woodall, Bernice Downs Kitchen and Fay Downs Ellerbe; and brothers Malcolm C. "Mac" Downs, James Emmett Downs, Charles Ray Downs, Ralph Huey Downs and Newman Downs.

In addition to his wife, Burma, Sonny is survived by a daughter, Kyle Downs Drerup, and her husband, Lawrence Drerup, M. D., of Alexandria; a son, Stephen Dyer Downs, M. D., of Alexandria; a granddaughter, Jimmie Rose David of Pineville. A count cannot begin to be taken of the extended family, in-laws, outlaws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sonny grew up in Alexandria and graduated from Bolton High School in 1950. He attended Louisiana College in Pineville, and completed his formal education at The New York School of Interior Design in New York, New York. In 1952, Downs Furniture Company was established, with his brother, Malcolm C. "Mac" Downs, as President. Sonny remained active in the business, until the store closed on December 31,1990. His retirement was brief, as his love of furniture and interior design never diminished. He delighted in assisting his daughter, Kyle, with her design businesses, and continued to work with his many long-time clients.

Sonny was deeply committed to his family, friends, Central Louisiana and his Country. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, The Louisiana Home Furnishings Association, Lion's Club and a former past President of The Cosmopolitan Club of Alexandria. He served as a Board Member of Alexandria Country Day School and former Chairman of the Annual Menard Fundraiser. Sonny was Honorably Discharged form the National Guard of Louisiana, Sergeant First Class, Medical Company.

Pallbearers shall be Thomas C. David, Jr., Robert "Bobby" Distefano, State Representative Lance Harris, John Moore, Mike O'Kelley, Randy Rechs, Lee Rubin and Ralph Sisco.

Honorary Pallbearers shall be Gilbert L. "Gil" Broussard, John M. "Johnny" Dyer, Martin Heyman, Stephen P. Katz, M.D, Doug O'Kelley, Graham Kramer, Harvey "Buddy" Normand, Dwight "Petie" Sayes, and all of his "card-playing gangs".

The Downs family would like to express deep appreciation to M. Joe Screpetis, M.D., Thompson Home Health, and Compassionate Care Hospice for their kindness and excellent care.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, March 03, 2015, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lecompte, where he married his wife, Burma, 50 years ago.

Friends may call at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. the morning of the service. Interment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The LSUA Foundation, Post Office Box 5512, Alexandria, Louisiana 71307 to support the Sonny Downs LSUA Foundation Scholarship, or a charity of your choice.

To extend online notes of condolence to the Downs Family, please visit www.kramerfunerals.com.