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BORN
1931
DIED
2016
Charlton Downs Obituary
May 20, 1931 - Jan. 16, 2016
Chuck Downs, 84, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away on January 16, 2016, surrounded by his friends and family. He is survived by his wife and best friend, CJ Downs his daughters Brittany Thrush and Crescent Thursh, granddaughters Sienna Sciacca and Simone Sciacca, former wife Marlene Downs and sons, Mike Downs and Chuck Downs. Chuck was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida. He attended Bay Haven School, Columbia Military Academy and Florida State University. Chuck was a cattle rancher his entire life and owned and operated the O-Bar-O Ranch but always devoted himself to his community. He wore many hats and had many trades throughout his life. He was the former president of the Sarasota Cattlemen's Association; he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, was nominated by Governor Claude Kirk in 1967 to serve on the Local Government Study Commission and was retired from the Sarasota County Sheriffs Department. Chuck opened the first air traffic control tower in town at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and was a passionate pilot with a love for aviation.
Chuck, known to his granddaughters as 'Pop', was a gentle spirit known throughout the community for his generosity and sincerity. He never hesitated to help anyone and always went above and beyond what was expected. His ability for kindness was astounding as he seldom had any ill word to say of anyone, always looking for the good in all people. His kind and patient heart touched many and contained the strength to move mountains.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 22, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, 7601 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241.
Memorial donations can be made to First Christian Church, 7601 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charlton Downs
Sponsored by Brittany and Crescent .
Brittany
January 16, 2023
Just thinking about you and miss you so much, pop!! I love you!
Brittany
April 30, 2019
Hey Pop, I think about you all the time and I miss you so much! I got married and had a baby, a little boy. His name us Finn, you'd love him so much! I love you and miss you all the time xoxo
Crescent
March 20, 2019
Crescent
January 24, 2019
Hey Chuck.....still miss you!! XOXO.
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Walter Folds
February 28, 2016
I just learned today from Tony Carlton of Chucks passing. I know Chuck is with his Lord and I will see him again someday (but not yet). He was a brother and a good friend. Though we have not seen each other in several years I will miss him.
Vickie Kent-Butler
February 22, 2016
I just heard of Mr. Downs passing, he always had a kind heart and remember spending time at the Ranch with him, Marlene, Chuck and Mike. From learning to round the cattle up or fishing he always had the time, and instilled country lifestyle in my heart. He is a Sarasota Staple and I thank God for sharing him with me that little bit. I cherish those memories forever.
Rob and Scottie Brown family
February 1, 2016
Our condolences to the Downs family.
Brittany
January 25, 2016
In a world of insincerity and questionable people; Chuck Downs was man of integrity and devotion. He was the best Dad in the world, a loving husband to my mother and an incredible grandfather to my nieces. He was kind, gentle, sincere and always honest. My heart is broken over his death but my life is forever changed because of his existence. I love him to end and will miss him forever. He was the most wonderful human on this planet :)
Bruce and Terri Saba
January 22, 2016
To the whole Down's family, Bruce and I send our sincere condolences. May your memories sustain you through this tough time.
George Bishopric
January 22, 2016
I'm so sorry to learn of Chuck's passing. My condolences to the family. He was a good man and faithful friend.
The beautiful dam at the O-Bar-O
Dave Williams
January 22, 2016
My sincere condolences to the entire Downs family for their loss. Mr. Downs and the O-Bar-O were such significant parts of the childhoods of so many of us. I'll always remember the time on the ranch when I volunteered to remove a matchstick size splinter from Mr. Down's hand with my pocket knife - and Mr. Downs took me up on the offer. I think I was about 5 minutes into the process when Mr. Downs said something to the effect of, Are we about there yet! There are only a select few names that are absolutely synonymous with Sarasota and its history, and Downs is and always will be one of them.
Howard Sugar
January 21, 2016
I lived in Sarasota for 26 years and spent numerous days at the O-Bar-O Ranch with Choddy, Mike and Chuck. Great memories,fun times and hard work. Choddy always made me feel important and would lend me his concerned ear. He even let me bury two of my dogs there. He was a true friend to me and I will surely miss him.
Paul Hudson
January 21, 2016
Our deepest condolences Mike.
Paul, Jenni, Kai and Broc
ray outlaw
January 20, 2016
Sad day for me as Mr.Downs was like a father to me as a young boy. He will be missed by many. All my love to Marlene,Chuck and Mike.
GEOFF MONGE
January 20, 2016
CHUCK WAS A LONG TIME VOLUNTEER FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND DEVOTED MANY HOURS TO HELPING OTHERS. HE WAS A KIND MAN AND FREE SPIRIT, AN ASSET TO HIS COMMUNITY!
THANKS CHUCK AND MAY GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY.
David Scoones
January 20, 2016
Chuck was Old School, where his word was his bond. A good man, a good freind. I will miss him.
The Ranch.
Monica Quarmby
January 20, 2016
So sad to hear the news. I will always have fond memories of great times spent on the ranch with Chuck, CJ and the family. Rest in peace dear friend.
January 20, 2016
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of Mr. Downs. We will always remember his kindness and gentle heart. Prayers and love to the family. Billie Shadowens and Jim Feid.
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