Kenneth Downes

1962 - 2012

Kenneth Downes obituary, 1962-2012, Virginia Beach, VA

Kenneth Downes

1962 - 2012

BORN

1962

DIED

2012

Kenneth Downes Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 12, 2012.
Virginia Beach - Kenneth V. Downes, a father, son and brother, born on July 24, 1962, passed away April 3, 2012 in Front Royal, Va.

He is a native of Virginia Beach and graduated from Virginia Tech University. He owned Miken Enterprises which dealt with erosion control issues. He was a devoted father and loved his children and family very much. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and boating. Kenny knew no strangers, he loved making new friends and helping people, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Those who knew him will always remember him with a smile.

Kenneth was predeceased by his father, William V. "Bill" Downes and is survived by his mother, Frances Downes of Virginia Beach; three children, Marley, 11, Shae, 9 and Garrett Downes, 6; two sisters, Patricia Peters and her husband Pete of Poquoson, Va., Cheryl Saher and her husband Wes of Franklin, Va.; and two nieces, Cassie, her fiancée Jimmy and Mandy Peters of Poquoson. Kenneth is also survived by several special aunts and uncles, an uncle, "Sambo" Downes of Cheriton, Va., an aunt, Marguerite Sell of Virginia Beach and an uncle, William Speight and his wife Dolores of Williamsburg, Va., along with several other aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. He is also survived by his girlfriend Jennifer Markley of Front Royal.

The family will have a celebration of his life on Saturday, April 14, at 1 p.m. at Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a trust for his children, please send donations to: Alan W. Broome ESQ, FBO Marley V & Shae & Garrett S. Downes, 1 Columbus Center, Suite 600, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Kenneth Downes's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 5, 2019

Jeff Charlebois posted to the memorial.

September 28, 2012

Susan Rathgeber posted to the memorial.

April 24, 2012

Jeffree Charlebois posted to the memorial.

Jeff Charlebois

April 5, 2019

Miss you, my man. Always in prayers.

Susan Rathgeber

September 28, 2012

I have only just heard of Kenny's passing, and want to say to all his family and friends that he was a wonderful and caring person. I knew him at VT, and he was a true friend. Kenny was taken from you all much too soon. My heart goes out to you all, especially his children, who I know he loved with all his heart. God Bless you all.

Jeffree Charlebois

April 24, 2012

A lot of good memories with Kenny. A short life but lived to the fullest by someone who knew how to laugh, live and love. The world weeps the loss. An eternal bonfire will be lit in the hearts of all that knew him.

John Weinfield

April 15, 2012

Kenny and I were friends from our days at Va Tech. He was so selfless, loving and fun to be around. I will miss you brother and I hope we meet again.

Peace,

John Weinfield

April 15, 2012

My heart is with you Frances, Patricia, and Cheryl. So sorry I couldn't be there with you and the family. I miss you and all of my cousins.. Love you...
Sandra Alton De Long, Rudy, Arkansas

DOLORES/WILLIAM SPEIGHT

April 13, 2012

FRANCES, PATRICIA, CHERYL, AND FAMILY.
MAY GOD'S GRACE GET ALL OF US THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. WE LOVED KENNETH LIKE A SON AND WILL MISS HIM DEEPLY.KEEPING EVERYONE IN OUR PRAYERS.LOVE, WILLIAM AND DOLORES

Suzanne Owens

April 13, 2012

My husband, Ed & I, were shocked and saddened to read of Kenny's passing.We have thought and talked of him, quite frequently, over the years. We hold many fond memories of Kenny, from when he dated our daughter, here in VB and at VT. He was a special young man. We never met his children, but bet, at least one of them has his great smile and personality !!Peace and Blessings to all of the Downes family, especailly, you, Frances. Losing a child has got to be heartbreaking. With HOKIE HUGS, Suzanne & Ed Owens

April 13, 2012

To the entire Downes Family,
May you each find peace at this difficult time.
We all smile with special "Kenny" stories.....forever remembered.
With Heartfelt prayers and deepest Sympathy and much Love,
The Conlon Family (Jimbo, Tracy Pope and Kathryn Grace)
Wilmington, NC

April 13, 2012

Our prayers are with you as the Good Lord heals your broken hearts.

Love. Helenmary & Family

Kristina Foster Somers

April 13, 2012

My DEEPEST heartfelt condolences to the Downes family. Kenny will always have a special place in my heart. His contagious smile and the twinkle in his eye will carry on with those that knew him.

George Gregory

April 12, 2012

Frances, our hearts are broken for you. It is a tragic loss. Our prayers are with you and your family as you walk thru these difficult days and know we love you. May God give you comfort as only He can.
Love ya, George and Cindy

Jim Wilding

April 12, 2012

I was so sorry to hear about Kenny. I will always remember Kenny with that big smile and willing to do anything to help a friend or Brother.
"...Good friend, I am building this bridge for him."

Bill Pollard

April 11, 2012

Kenny will be missed. We were also fraternity brothers and I was fortunate to keep in touch with Kenny during the past several years when Kenny lived in Hampton Roads as we did business together and enjoyed just chatting with each other. A great guy. I am blessed that he was my friend.

Ellen Machado

April 11, 2012

I spent 3 wonderful years at VT with Kenny. He was an incredibly special man, and will always have a special place in my heart. Many prayers to his children and entire family. Kenny will always shine down on you!
VT, class of '89

Doug Stewart

April 11, 2012

As I watched the sun set tonight I thought of Kenny! Rest in Peace and my thoughts and prayers are with his family!

Mike Reitz

April 11, 2012

Love you man!

Art Serody

April 11, 2012

My deepest sympathies to the Kenny's family. He and I were fraternity brothers at Virginia Tech and I have very fond memories hanging out with him at the Beta House.

Dave Bjorkman

April 11, 2012

Kenny and I spent many days and nights together at Princess Anne and I will always remember his laugh! I am so sorry for your loss..Dave Bjorkman

Kim Arris-Potter

April 11, 2012

Kenny and I grew up together in Thalia, went to Thalia Elementary, Independence Jr. High, Princess Anne High AND Virginia Tech together. I had THE biggest crush on him while we were growing up and will remember him as a dear, sweet friend. My sincere condolences to his mom, sisters and children. God bless.

Doug Speight

April 11, 2012

My condolences to the Downes Family (Frances and Cheryl). Kenny and I attended PA High School together (Class of '80) and loved him like a brother. Rest in peace my friend.

Bruce Heterick

April 11, 2012

Sincere condolences from the Heterick family in Rhode Island. Kenny was my pledge brother in Beta Theta Pi at Virginia Tech. We also were on the golf team together at Tech. He was a tremendous person with a heart of gold. He will be missed tremendously. Our prayers are with his family and friends. -kai-

#297

April 11, 2012

Kenny was a great guy and friend down at Tech! I am terribly saddened by this tragic news! May God bless his lovely family! Fondly,
Paul L. Vickers, VA Tech '85

Doug Waltz

April 11, 2012

I knew Kenny in college and he always had a big smile and genuinely cared for the people in his life. This is a great loss for everyone who was lucky enough to have spent time with Kenny. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

Janet Hastings

April 11, 2012

I am so sorry for you loss, Frances. My prayers are with you and your entire family.

Michael Weaver

April 11, 2012

Rest in peace Brother. Your memory will always remain in my heart and mind.
Yours in ~KAI~,
Weavo #294

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home & Rosewood Memorial Park

601 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Make a Donation
in Kenneth Downes's name

How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kenneth Downes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Kenneth Downes's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 5, 2019

Jeff Charlebois posted to the memorial.

September 28, 2012

Susan Rathgeber posted to the memorial.

April 24, 2012

Jeffree Charlebois posted to the memorial.