Jerry Robert Downs

1934 - 2014

Jerry Robert Downs
1934-2014
Jerry Robert "JR" Downs, 80, formerly of Aiken, SC, passed away Monday, the 22nd of December 2014 in Houston, TX due to complications associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Jerry was born the 29th of April 1934 in Webster City, Iowa. He was a 1952 graduate of Lincoln High School. After serving his country as a Corporal in the United States Army, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University in 1959. Thereafter, he had a successful 30+ year career with Bechtel Engineering and Construction.
Jerry loved traveling, especially cruising, collecting antiques and attending USC-Aiken basketball games with his wife of 52 years, Nadine Downs. He always solved the daily Sudoku and crossword puzzles and was an avid bridge player. Jerry was a talented woodworker and enjoyed restoring antique clocks and radios. He was an active member of the South Carolina chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors where he served as Treasurer and was also active in the Aiken, SC chapter of the 50+ Club where he served in several leadership roles, including President.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Elston and Mary Elizabeth Downs. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, three grandchildren, four brothers, several nieces and nephews, numerous friends and his beloved feline companion 'LB'.
The memorial service is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 16th of January, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where Peter Cammarano, Pastor at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, Lake Jackson, TX, will officiate.
Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Jerry at http://pulmonaryfibrosis.donorpages.com/Tribute/JerryDowns.