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Thomas Downs Obituary

CUMMING, Ga. - Thomas L. Downs, 67, of Cumming died suddenly on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, in Washington, D.C.

Tom was born July 18, 1940, in Springfield, the son of Lee and Thelma Downs. His parents preceded him in death.

He is survived by three sons, Todd and Scott, both of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Tommy of Arlington, Va.; a grandson, Evan of Fort Wayne; and a brother, Jack (wife, Kay) of Springfield.

Bearden Funeral Home in Dawsonville, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register on Jan. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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Alissa McKinley

February 12, 2008

Tommy, I was so sad to hear about the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl Hitzemann

January 21, 2008

TODD, I'm not sure if this the Todd I worked with at FWCC. If it is, I would like to send my deepest sympathy at the loss of your father. It is always hard to lose a parent, my thoughts and prayers are with you. If this is not the Todd who is a Chef, I'd still like to offer my condolences.

Ron and Dot Goldsmith

January 20, 2008

We met Tom when he joined Bethel many years ago. He has always been a caring friend who was always there with a helping hand, whether for us personally or for anyone who needed it. The one thing that always impressed me was how proud he was of each of his beloved sons.
I pray that all of his family and friends are as comforted as we are to know that he is now basking in the Glory and presence of Jesus, whom he served faithfully.
Ron and Dot Goldsmith

Frank Lehr

January 19, 2008

Todd,Tommy,Scott,
Tom was a dear and delightful friend from the time we met as co-workers at Magnavox and NCR and continued when he moved to Georgia.
Take comfort in knowing that he was a 'Proud Papa' as he so often noted in his on-going contact with us.
We will miss him.
Frank and Mary Lehr

Jo Ann Steffens

January 19, 2008

Tom and Jack Downs grew up on South 5th Street next door to us, Judy and Jo Ann Barton. The 4 of us were like sisters and brothers. And, now we have lost Tom, a wonderful, caring friend. He dearly loved his 3 sons and family and friends. May his three sons and family find comfort in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Michelle Barton

January 18, 2008

Tommy, We were so sad to hear about the loss of your Dad. He was a good guy and we know he will be missed dearly. He sure had a lot to be proud of. We want you and your brothers to know you are in our hearts and prayers.
We love you,
Jeff, Michelle, Cameron & Landon Barton

Carolyn Hinderliter

January 18, 2008

Tom was our faithful and genuine friend in good times and bad! Tom never let any one down, and was always a few steps ahead of us in thinking about whatever was needed at church or chorale. For a few years, Tom and I were on the same team in "Humane Hearts", (a branch of the Forsyth Humane Society). During those years,we took our dogs to visit in nursing homes, assisted care homes, and special ed. classes. It was rewarding and fun, and I will miss Tom's unfailing friendship greatly!

C. E. Welch

January 18, 2008

Tom will be greatly missed. What a wonderful person and always happy. I was looking forward to seeing him at our 50th class reunion. The family of Tom Downs were very fortunate to have a husband, father and brother like Tom.

Reuben Gresham

January 18, 2008

I met Mr. Downs after forming a very solid friendship with his son Tommy. Mr. Downs was a kind, honest, and graceful man. His words were always well received, and his presence was always graciously felt. My heart and prayers go out to him and his family.

Mary Burnett/Houghton Elberson

January 18, 2008

I was looking forward to seeing Tom at our 50th SHS reunion. I knew Tom as a neighbor on South Fifth St and a schoolmate at Harvard Park (where I had a major crush on him) and SHS. Tom was always fun, smiling and genuine. My heart goes out to you in your pain.

LINDA TILL (TAPP)

January 18, 2008

TODD, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD. (WE WORKED TOGETHER YEARS AGO.) YOU'LL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Debbie Feathers

January 17, 2008

I worked with Tom at DCA. I am sadden to hear of his passing. He was a great person. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Stan Browne

January 17, 2008

We will miss Tom and his smiling personality greatly. He has been a friend going back to our Mothers being close friends.
The many great memories over the years will be cherished. We were last togather when Sandi and I went to Cumming in our motor home several years ago. We also shared experiences since leaving the U of I including the Walk to Emmaus.
He leaves the world three fine sons of whom he was very proud.
Springfield and SHS can be very proud of this man.
Our condolences to brother Jack and sons, Todd, Scott, and Tommy and his many friends.
Stan "Deke" Browne

Joe Ebers

January 17, 2008

Although I have not seen Tommy in years I did get a few e-mails from him. Tommy was a wonderful friend and classmate through Harvard Park Grade School and Springfield High. Also,Tommy always reminded me that we were in the hospital together when we were born. That friendship though miles apart we have shared throughout the years. He will be missed by all that knew him. My condolences go out to the family.

Joe Ebers
Osage Beach, Mo.

Judy Barton Williamson

January 16, 2008

Tom and I have been friends our whole lives. He was our next-door neighbor and was like a brother to me. We went to grade school, high school, junior college, and the University of Ilinois together. We have shared so many good times. I will miss him, his emails, his letters, and his friendhip. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Libbie Peterson Britton

January 16, 2008

I knew Tom when we were in the Angel Choir at First Methodist Church in Springfield, and during the years at SHS. Tom was a friend to all, and we will remember him for being a wonderful, caring person we were glad to have known.

Carolyn Quinlan

January 16, 2008

Tom was a long time friend and high school classmate. I can remember many Rainbow and DeMolay activities, and high school dances, etc. He was always fun to be around. I have enjoyed visiting with him almost weekly by email. He was looking forward to the SHS 50th Reunion this year. He will certainly be missed by all.

Bob Owens

January 16, 2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Will Howarth

January 16, 2008

Tom's friends from the SHS Class of 1958 mourn his death and his family's loss. See our tribute at http://shs-58.blogspot.com/

David Hinderliter

January 16, 2008

Tom was a faithful friend and servant to his church and his friends. We will realize as time goes by his impact as he did many things without notice. He will be missed by his church family and his Chorale family.

Lee Downs

January 16, 2008

Rest in peace Uncle Tommy you will be missed by your loved ones

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