Carl Floyd Downs

Carl Floyd Downs, born on January 31, 1934, in Adair, Oklahoma, passed away on January 28, 2026, in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was 91 years old. Carl was a proud veteran who served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War as a tank specialist. He married Lena St. John on September 5, 1959, in Pryor and they spent many wonderful years together.

He was known for his love of coon hunting and his passion for storytelling. Carl enjoyed antiquing and was an avid reader, particularly of books by Louis L'Amour. For 15 years, he owned and operated Downs DX and also owned cattle. His dedication to his community was reflected in his many years of service as a volunteer firefighter for Adair. Additionally, he ran the Downs Rodeo Grounds for nearly five years.

Carl is remembered fondly for his deep love for his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lena Downs, of the home; sons, Carl Wayne Downs of Big Cabin, OK, and Craig Downs of Adair, OK; sisters, Maxine Watt of Tulsa, OK, and Geraldine Sherwood of Miami, OK; grandchildren, Derek Downs, Jaclyn Porter, and Brooklyn Myers and husband Austin, and Chance Downs; great grandchildren, Sam Porter, Izaiah Porter, Kinsley Downs, Kamdyn Downs, Kylen Downs, and Kennedy Myers.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents, Frankie and Katherine (Maggard) Downs; sisters, Beatrice Boren, Marie Jantzen, and Mary McDonald; and grandson, Clark Downs.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 2, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Adair with Pastor Sam Wilson and Pastor Steve Loveless officiating. Interment will follow in the Dawes Cemetery with Don Harlan, Austin Myers, Chance Downs, Tom Collins, Sam Porter, and Derek Downs. Steve Cabe, Bobby Noble, Rick Pepper, Hippy St. John, Bobby Holman, Izaiah Porter, and Brenden Buckley will serve as honorary casket bearers. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Shipman's Funeral Home in Pryor. To leave a personal message, please visit his guest book at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.