Stephen Downs

1956 - 2021

STEPHEN "STEVE" DOWNS
October 9, 1956 - February 4, 2021

Stephen "Steve" Downs, 64, an amazing man and loving father, grandfather, husband, son, brother, friend, and mentor fought long and hard against melanoma cancer as long as he could. He passed on February 4, 2021, surrounded by the family he loved so much and worked hard his entire life to take care of.

Born to Doneta and Charles Downs in Raytown, Missouri, Steve was raised by a single mom and grandparents who he cherished. Known as the "rebel" in the family, he left school in junior high to work and help his mom financially. Over the years, he did what it took to support his family and this tireless work ethic and unwavering perseverance resulted in much success in business and life, though he never forgot his humble beginnings.

In Kansas City, he got married young and welcomed his first son, Michael Downs. After selling cars in the brutal winters of the Midwest for years, he and his second wife, Terri, took a chance and moved to Bakersfield, CA, in 1984 for better opportunities in the car business. Soon after, they were blessed with twin daughters, Traci and Staci.

His hard work and talent were quickly recognized and he was one of the youngest salespeople to be promoted to management, steadily moving up the ranks at local car dealerships. In the early 90s he joined Bill Wright Toyota where he met Cassie Wright. They married and welcomed son, Ross Downs, and daughter, Savannah Downs.

Steve purchased Bill Wight Toyota in 1999 and over the next 23 years, through constant work and sacrifice, made it wildly successful. He expanded to build a second dealership, North Bakersfield Toyota, from the ground up and also owned Valley Cycle and Motorsports. Throughout his career, he was highly respected and earned countless awards for leading the nation in car sales. He was the president of the local NADA and part of the elite Toyota "20" group often asked to pilot new programs. Steve was incredibly business savvy and was a trusted advisor and mentor to his peers, family, and friends, always thrilled to help others pursue their dreams whether they needed advice or financial support.

Despite his accomplishments, Steve never took anything for granted. For him, success was having the means to pay it forward, which he did often. His generosity impacted many including his love for animals. He enjoyed regularly clearing local animal shelters by paying all the fees so families could adopt a pet for free or at a very low cost. He was a regular contributor and champion for numerous nonprofit organizations such as the ASPCA, Society for Disabled Children, Kern County 999 Foundation, Wounded Warriors, Toys for Tots, car seat drives, and many others.

He felt so lucky to find true love and happiness with Dawn Evenson Downs, a friend of 30 years after reconnecting in 2017. They immediately knew it was meant to be and married in 2018. They settled down on Old Hickory Lake in Tennessee to finally "retire" and start enjoying the life he dreamed of. They so loved spending time on the lake especially the beautiful sunsets and in Nashville with friends and family.

While he worked hard, he played even harder and his favorite thing in the world was "making memories" with his family, friends, and dogs. He wanted to make sure everyone was having fun and loved fast cars, boats, motorcycles, road trips in the RV, horseback riding, deep sea fishing in Cabo (winning the renowned "Bisby" tournament once), ice cream, camping, fishing, listening to live music, heading back to KC for Gates BBQ, shopping trips at Duluth and Bass Pro Shop, Lake of the Ozarks and visiting family and old buddies from school. He would light up a room with funny stories of his crazy life full of his famous sayings like "Bitchin" and "Ain't you fancy" and many others too colorful to share but that will always make us laugh.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother and father and is survived by his wife, Dawn; five children, Michael, Traci, Staci, Ross and Savannah; sons-in-law, Matt Imbelloni and Cole Sarver; four grandsons, Cameron Imbelloni, Dominic Risi, Mason Imbelloni and Jason Carlin; stepdaughter and husband, Chloe and Cory Beamer and their sons, Harrison and Hudson; along with countless family and friends who cherish the unforgettable man who will be missed terribly. His spirit and legacy will forever live on in those he touched and taught to never give up on their dreams.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11:00am at North Bakersfield Toyota combining his love of cars, country music, and animals. Sponsored by the Steve Downs Melanoma Foundation which was founded by his daughter, Staci Downs, all proceeds will go to local animal shelters to help pay for adoption costs.

Steve's interment services will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest with his beloved mother in Lees Summit, MO as well as with his father in law, Bill Wright in Bakersfield, CA.

The family thanks everyone for their support and love, including the oncologists, nurses, and medical professionals who fought with Steve to overcome his cancer. To donate to the Steve Downs Melanoma Foundation and continue his passion for philanthropy, email Staci Downs at staci@smdprop.com">staci@smdprop.com">staci@smdprop.com">staci@smdprop.com.