William Downs Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Winchester, Virginia

William "Brian" Downs was a Presbyterian Church elder and deacon who taught Sunday school and was seriously considering becoming a minister after he completed his military career. "He was the kind of guy you wished you had a church full of," said the Rev. Mark Carey. "He was a man of faith, who didn't separate it as a once a week activity but made it a part of all that he did." Downs, 40, of Winchester, Va., was killed May 30 in a crash of his surveillance plane about 80 miles northeast of Baghdad. He was based at Hurlburt Field. The husband and father of three was a Little League coach _ something he started before he had children of his own. "Brian saw coaching as an opportunity to make him a better dad when he became a father," said a friend, Tim Gordon. The St. Louis native graduated in 1987 from Grove City College in Pennsylvania, where he majored in international business. He left active duty in 1999 to become a commercial pilot, but reactivated after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was credited with helping create an Iraqi air force squadron from scratch. Downs is survived by his wife, Beth, and three children, ages 9-11.

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Hello, We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of William Brian Downs US Air Force Major. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by...

Charlie Gili

August 17, 2021

To the Family of Major William Downs,
I participated in the Cpl. Christopher G. Scherer Memorial Run
on Saturday May 23 in East Northport, New York. I ran in honor of Major William Downs service to our country. The words "Thank you" certainly feel inadequate for a man who made the ultimate sacrifice. I just wanted you to know he is
still remembered and how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Caren Alessio
E....

May 29, 2015

To Brian's Family,

I just found this and am quite shocked; even more shocked than when his mother, Evelyn went home to be with God. My wife (Sue) and I babysat Frank the night Brian was born in Rota, Spain. We were close to Evelyn and Lon (I worked with Lon) and lived only a couple of doors from them. Many good memories. After Spain we sort of drifted our separate ways and the last time we spoke I believe was when Lon was in St. Louis for Evelyn' memorial.

Please accept our...

Rev. James Huckabee

October 05, 2013 | O'Fallon, MO

In memory of William Downs. Forever grateful to him for his military service to this country.

October 28, 2012

NEVER to be forgotten Maj.Downs this day and everyday. God be with your family.

S.Allen

May 30, 2012

May 30, 2012
To the family and friends of Maj. William Downs:
Always remembering William. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

May 28, 2012 | Carson City, NV

To the family and friends of Maj. William Downs:
Please accept my remembrance of William on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

May 30, 2011 | Carson City, NV

Never to be forgotten an American Hero. Thank You.

S. Allen

May 31, 2010

To the family and friends of Maj. William Downs:
Remembering William on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Peggy Childers

May 31, 2010 | Carson City, NV

Maj. William Downs

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