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Walter Downs Obituary
Born in Middletown, OH, he was the son of the late Robert and Bertha Downs.
Walter served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He retired as Operations Manager from Bacon's Mercantile Stores and was the past President of Louisville Shippers Association, had served on the Board of Directors at Liberty National Bank and was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Middletown, OH. Walter was an active member at St. Matthews Baptist Church where he dedicated much of his time serving on numerous committees. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin brother and sister.
He is survived by his wife, Lyda Galloway Downs, formerly of Henderson, KY; daughters, Debbie Downs Druien (Chuck Fleischer), Becky Downs and Cindy Downs Crabtree (Nathan); grandchildren, Lindsey Druien, Brett D. Druien, Danielle Crabtree and Kaela Crabtree; four brothers; and a special brother-in-law.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Pearson's Funeral Directors, 149 Breckenridge Lane, with burial to follow in Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 12-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Saturday.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Matthews Baptist Church or Hosparus at Norton Pavilion.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Downs
michele Meyer
September 3, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Downs. He was a wonderful man and created a great working enviroment. It was a priviledge to have been able to work under his professional leadership.
Joyce Wells
August 25, 2012
Mr. Downs hired me at Bacon's. I am blessed to have known him.
August 24, 2012
Cindy, Nathan, and girls. So sorry to hear about your loss.Remembering you and your family with our prayers during this difficult time. God Bless. Jan and Frank Kraft.
Eddie Miller
August 24, 2012
Walter was my "first boss" at the first part-time job I had in high school at Bacon's Department Store in the old Bashford Manor Mall. 23 years later when I moved back to Louisville I purchased a house two doors down from Buck. What a wonderful man, mentor, teacher and neighbor. I learned a great deal from him and will miss him dearly. RIP Buck!
Ray Chmielewski
August 24, 2012
I was hired by Mr Downs right out of college for the men's department Bacon's St Matthews. Mr Downs was great to work for and always had a kind word for you.
Lisa Miles
August 24, 2012
Cindy, I hope during this difficult time you will find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
August 24, 2012
Accept our condolences to a beautiful family at the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. It was our honor to care for him and to know you all. Peace.
Dina Carroll, Chaplain
Hosparus Inpatient Care Center
August 24, 2012
We were neighbors of the Downs family on Regency Lane. Our front door was a straight shot to theirs, and my sister and I made a well-worn path to it. Lyda and Buck were incredibly kind and generous to us. Outnumbered by females of his own and of our neighborhood, Mr. Downs, "Buck", was always a gentleman, always had a smile and genuine interest and concern for us. Love to Lyda, Becky, Debbie and Cindy. Beverly Sarki
Johanna Bruner
August 24, 2012
Mr. Downs was a great man and will be missed. I worked at Bacons and everytime you saw him, you were greeted with a smile. My prayers go out to his family. God Bless.
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