Douglas Marvin Downs

Douglas Marvin Downs was born August 24,1955 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the son of Marvin and Marrbell Downs. He went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 15, 2024 at The Laurels, Mount Vernon, Ohio after a lifetime of loving and serving God. He graduated from Colonel Crawford High School in Crestline, Ohio in 1973, received his B.A. degree in Religion from Mount Vernon Nazarene College in 1978. Following that, he attended Nazarene Theological Seminary and began his service as a Nazarene minister. He married the love of his life, Sherry Ayres on May 28,1977.
He was ordained in 1985 as an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene. For forty years he served as a minister of the gospel for the Church of the Nazarene in several locations including: Indiana, Ohio, and Massachusetts. He also served the United Methodist Church in Fredericktown, Ohio.
He was a charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and also served communities in many ways through various forms of Counseling, Support Groups, Education, Crisis Intervention, and Chaplain Services.
He was a Christian media specialist and freelance writer, published in several magazines, newspapers, and websites including Christianity Today. He produced three Christian films: "The Pearls", "Christmas MISGivings", and "The Easter Stories". Doug also loved music and was a gifted vocalist, musician and songwriter. He enjoyed leading others in worship and could often be found sitting at the piano.
He served the Church of the Nazarene in various other leadership roles throughout his ministry, including: Mount Vernon Nazarene University Board of Trustees, District Ministerial Credentials and Advisory Boards and Ministry Committees to support New Works and Discipleship.
He received many merits and awards through his service to the Lord, including: National Leadership Award, Outstanding Young Men of America, District Superintendent's Standard of Excellence Award, Church of the Nazarene Distinguished Service Awards, the East Ohio District Superintendent's Discipleship Award for Church Growth, and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Northwestern Christian University. In everything he did, he was careful to give God the glory.
Doug loved his family and was a devoted husband, wonderful father and especially enjoyed his most recent role as a Grandpa. He brought constant laughter and joy to his family and friends and lived his life to the fullest, loving people well and sharing the hope of Jesus with everyone around him. He will forever be deeply missed by his loved ones. Douglas is survived by his devoted wife of forty-seven years: Sherry (Ayres) Downs; his children: Ryan (Mandi) Downs, Spencer Downs; his grandson: Oliver Downs; his siblings: Elizabeth (Joy Wells) Downs, David (Kelly) Downs, and Amy (Bret) Bahr. Douglas was preceded in death by his father Marvin and his mother Marrbell.
Douglas believed the Kingdom of God existed outside the four walls of the church. He was passionate about Missions and took the Gospel to: Martinique, Germany, Ecuador, Azores, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Friends and family may call from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, November 25th at New Life Church of the Nazarene: 665 Harcourt Road, Mt. Vernon, Ohio. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the same location on Tuesday, November 26th at 11:00 am, with an additional calling hour beginning at 10:00 am prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that Memorial donations be made in honor of Pastor Doug to H-I-S Mission and Outreach to support continued missions work in Nicaragua. Check donations made out to "H-I-S Mission and Outreach" can be mailed to P.O. Box 3731, Akron, OH 44314, with "Doug" marked in the memo; or contributions can be given online at https://www.hismissionandoutreach.org/in-memoriam.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon, Ohio, is honored to serve the family of Douglas Marvin Downs.