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Delbert Downs Obituary
Delbert had many passions in his life; a passion for God, his family and music. Delbert and Sally were members of the Topeka Baptist Church, and his love for God sparked him to serve in many areas of ministry including prison ministry, nursing homes, missions' trips, and sharing the Gospel at every opportunity. His love for his family was shown through 36 years of marriage to his wife, Sally, and a devotion to his children and grandchildren through sharing music, fishing trips, and countless trips to Chuck E Cheese. His musical career started at the age of 5 in his family band and continued to be a part of his life until his passing. He was best known as a trumpet player, but played multiple instruments and spent his last years performing, writing, and co-authoring two devotional books through Dave and Del Ministries. While he had several jobs in different professions, his last role as Band Director of Heritage Christian School was his true calling; his impact on the children and their impact on him made his last years truly a blessing.
Delbert is preceded in death by his father, Delbert Sr.
He is survived by his mother, Virginia; his loving wife Sally; daughter Rachel (Tim) Defendorf; son, Jon (Katie) Newman; sister, Debbie Uhl; brother, Darren Downs; five grandchildren, Blake, Kaleb, Linkin, Kinley, and Brynlee; his niece Deanna Flanagan; his nephew David Uhl; and his dearest friend, Dave Harder.
Visitation will be Monday, October 14, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Topeka Baptist Church in Topeka. Memorial service is planned for Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Topeka Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heritage Christian School.
To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.brennanmathenafh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.
Memories and Condolences
for Delbert Downs
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41 Entries
Darla Harris
October 16, 2019
I always remember Del playing for our worship services with a trumpet in one hand and playing the drums with the other. I have often mentioned him to people and how amazing that was. What a wonderful musician and kind-hearted man heaven has gained. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Praying for your comfort.
Karla Billen
October 15, 2019
Bill and I so were so sorry to hear of Del's passing. We met Del & Sally several years ago at a Jed Zeplin concert in Overbrook (along with Dave & Loretta) and became instant friends.... sharing a love of blue grass and Gospel music. Over the years that Jed Zeplin played, it was always a thrill to see Del & Sally and Dave & Loretta show up at a gig. May God bless and comfort you Sally, and all of Del's dear loved ones. Karla & Bill Billen
Stacy Richerson
October 14, 2019
Thank you for all the work you did with the kids at HCS! You were very musically blessed and you enjoyed passing that on to the next generation.
Gary & Phyllis Sage
October 14, 2019
Sally, Rachel and Jon,
Remembering you at this time with fond memories of our Fellowship at the Federated Church. Del's music was so special. He truly used his gift to Gods glory, and our times with the (Young Couples) :) fellowship will always be happy memories. You are in our prayers.
Toni Carter-Howard
October 14, 2019
Sally you can finally rest. He's in Gods care now. I love you and will pray for you and your family So many wonderful memories of you both.
Karl Purvis
October 11, 2019
Of course it was through music when I met Del. He was an amazing musical artist, teacher and friend and I always enjoyed being around him. Now I have another brother to look forward to meeting up in heavenly places. So long my friend but we'll soon reconnect.
Donna challacombe
October 10, 2019
Sally So sorry to hear of Del's passing keeping you and the kids in my prayers. Betty DeWitt
Jan and Marshall Madill
October 9, 2019
Jan and Marshall Madill
October 9, 2019
Jan and Marshall Madill
October 9, 2019
Jan and Marshall Madill
October 9, 2019
Our employee and friend. Our Brother in Christ. Our Grandson's teacher. May your testimony continue to produce fruit for the Lord from the seeds you planted. May your feast at the Table and the songs you play in the heavenlies bring joy to our King! Happy Heavenly Birthday, dear friend. Warm Hugs and Prayers for Sally, Deb and all extended family in the days ahead.
Darlene Bradford
October 8, 2019
To the Del Downs Family. You don't know me, but I have attended many Christian concerts where Del had shared his talent and ministry with others. I was a good friend of Woody and Lawanda Wood, who have both gone home to be with the Lord. Woodie and Del were great friends. Our brother in the Lord will be missed, but I know there will be lots of rejoicing and music going on in heaven. God bless you and grant you HIS peace in your time of sorrow.
Darlene Bradford
robin kreipe
October 8, 2019
Sorry for your loss.R.I.P. Delbert.
STEPHEN HIEBSCH
October 7, 2019
Del was a great guy in the time we were in H.S. @ HPHS.
TO ALL of the Family my deepest condolences...
He was one of finest trumpet players ever & he found the lord and made it his calling I know you are all very proud!!!!
I will pray for him & your family.
Holly & Mike Diegel
October 7, 2019
Dearest Sally, We are so sorry for the loss of your love. I wish I had known Del was sick. You have a lot of family and friends sending you love and comfort. So many great memories. Hugs
Sally Smith Klumpe
October 7, 2019
Hi Sally, it's Sally here. So, so sorry to hear of Del's passing. Many prayers are being offered for you all. I'm so glad you have so many good years and good memories together.
Dennis Kelly
October 7, 2019
I was in the Band and Pep Band at Highland Park High school with Delbert.He was an amazing musician. RIP my friend Dennis Kelly.
Dr.Bruce & Shirley Cole
October 6, 2019
Sally and family, we are so sorry to hear about Delbert's passing.
So glad to see you at the hospital a couple of weeks ago.
God bless you all.
Darlene Atchison
October 6, 2019
Del never let his light go out. He was a great man of God and a good friend to us and many. He will be missed, but never forgotten. Always such a kind person. I know dear faithful servant Sally, that you too, will continue to keep your candle burning brightly. I love you my dear friend, and I am praying for you and your family.
JONA TATRN
October 6, 2019
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Delbert. I will always remember him for his music at Highland Park High School in the band, the pep band (the best ever), and playing on the weekends at Shakey's Pizza with many of our/his classmates. He was an incredible musician, person, and friend to all who knew him. He will bless the band above with some beautiful music. I'm so sorry for his family's loss, but know he will live on through all the memories he has made with everyone's life he has touched. Thoughts & Prayers, Jona Carter Tatrn
JONA CARTER TATRN
October 6, 2019
I was sorry to hear we had lost such a beloved classmate and friend. I will always remember Delbert because of the beautiful music he made with the HPHS band and pep band as well as at Shakey's Pizza with many others from the HPHS music dept. They were so talented and made that pizza outing an incredibly fun and foot stomping evening. He's gone too soon, but has touched many lives in his life and will be remembered always for his kindness, friendship and music. Thoughts, prayers to the family and to Delbert.....thanks for the memories! Jona Carter Tatrn
2003 Del recording with Woody Parker at The Good News music Works.
October 6, 2019
Dale Renner
October 6, 2019
Del was a true and generous friend and fellow musician. I'm sure he is jamin' at the throne for our Lord and King Jesus Christ. Thank you Sally for being so generous to share Del with us in the studio all those evenings! What a inspiring talent. Sally, May God bless you and your family and pour out His peace and love upon you!
Cindy Markley
October 6, 2019
So very sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Darleen and Harold Bernhardt
October 6, 2019
Virginia and family:
Very sorry to read of the passing of Del Jr. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Our sincere sympathy.
Donnie Harris
October 5, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my high school classmate and fellow trumpet player in HPHS bands (Marching, Stage and Pep). I was always third chair to Delbert's first chair under the direction of our great teacher and mentor Mr. Ben Tice.
I also remember Delbert at Stuckey's pizza parlor for many years playing alongside his dad. I can hear their Dixieland music still playing in my ears. My very best, thoughts and prayers to Delbert's family and friends. I will miss you my good friend.
Diana Berry
October 5, 2019
I truly loved and appreciate Del. So talented and loved the Lord with al his heart. He will be truely missed.
Gloria Williams
October 5, 2019
Sally, Rachel, Jon and the rest of the family,
Our prayers are with you. Del had a love for the Lord that showed through in his life. He coupled that love of the Lord with his music and blessed others with the talent that God gave him. He loved God, his family, his music and laughter. Enjoyed his Bible studies and being on a worship team with him. May God send His comfort to each one of you.
Connie Wright-Lowrey
October 4, 2019
Darren, My heartfelt sympathy to you for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Bill Sherry
October 4, 2019
I met Del as a leader in Boy Scouts. He was a great guy, his moral compass never wavered, his willingness to help was unparalleled and I was honored to be his friend.
Don & Betty Parker
October 4, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bruce and Debbie Smith
October 4, 2019
Sally, we are so sorry to hear of Dels passing. Sending hugs and prayers
Jan Livingston
October 4, 2019
Heaven just gained a magnificent musical addition to the heavenly chorus! Del will now be doing this for eternity! Awesome!!
Lindsay Arnold-Geenen
October 4, 2019
Many good memories of Del, especially in the early days of my Christian walk. I enjoyed his Bible studies and playing on the Praise and Worship team with him in different churches. My thoughts are with Sally and his family. Just think...he is trumpeting with the angels!!!! What comfort.
Susan Iwert
October 4, 2019
He truly enjoyed a good pun. Whenever I read one that tickles the funny bone we all say "that's a Del".
My heart goes out to you Sally and your family. We lost a good one.
Melissa Livingston
October 4, 2019
Sally
I am so truly sorry to learn of Dels passing and you and your family are most assuredly in my prayers.
Please reach out to me anytime I would love to hear from you.
Loretta Harder
October 4, 2019
We first met the Downs' at Grace Community Church in Overbrook - He taught our Sunday School class that we didn't know everything about the story of Noah! We were forever hooked on His devotion to Christ, he was a brother to Dave and I. Del left a lasting impact on us. We love you Sally.
Deb & Mark Seastrom
October 4, 2019
So very sorry to hear this. Hugs & prayers to all
Thank you for your amazing leadership and guidance for my son Konner.
Kelli Terry
October 3, 2019
Thank you for your leadership and guidance for my son Konner. You will be missed, Mr. Downs.
Janet Johnson
October 3, 2019
Sally, were so sorry to hear of Dels passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
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Oct
14
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Topeka Baptist Church
KS
Oct
15
Memorial service
2:00 p.m.
Topeka Baptist Church
Topeka, KS
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