David Newton Downs

1935 - 2017

David Newton Downs
11/27/1935 - 03/25/17
David Newton Downs beloved Father, Mentor and Grandfather went to be with the Lord at age 81 on 03/25/17 after a long struggle with Lung Disease.
He was surrounded by his family and loved ones during the last days of his life.
David was born in Peoria Illinois to Hal and Alfied Downs on 11/27/1935.
He attended Bradley University (Peoria, IL) and then went on to graduate from Jamestown College (Jamestown, ND) in 1953. David obtained his Master's Degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of North Dakota in 1964. David's passion for counseling and listening led him back to New Lenox, Illinois where he spent his 35-year career as a Career Counselor at Moraine Valley Community College (Palos Hills, IL).
David was loved by all and touched the lives of many. He was always interested in striking up a conversation and wanted to know details. No superficial discussions with Dave! No one was a stranger and he was a friend to all.
David is survived by his daughters Michelle DeSilvia (Eagle, ID), married to Todd DeSilvia and Kristi Knowles (Boise, ID), married to Andrew Knowles. His sister Kathy Duke(Peoria, IL) and favorite cousin Marlene Head (Butte, MT). Dave's grandchildren include Austin, Cole and Claire DeSilvia and Hannah and Lilly Knowles. David's two step children are Tom Windish married to Kristi Windish (Wichita, KS) and Bethany Tistle married to Andrew Tistle (Hillsdale, IL). Their children include Luke, Drew, Laine and Cameron Windish along with Grant and Mia Micaletti.
David's love for his family and grandkids was evident in his day to day activities. David was a Swede and loved to talk about his Swedish Heritage. Passions included, golf, fishing and long conversations about current events, family and life choices. David was most comfortable at Cascade Lake in Donnelly, Idaho and Flathead Lake in Montana, you could always find him on the Jet Ski or sitting beside his buddy Moxie the dog.
The service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday April 14th at Eagle Nazarene Church, 1001 W. State St, Eagle ID. There will be a reception following the service. Arrangements are being made through Bowman Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in David's memory.