Johnny Edward Downs

Johnny Edward Downs, born March 8, 1942, went to be with Jesus at 3:36 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025. A long-time resident of Baton Rouge, he was born in Carrollton, Mississippi and grew up in Kentwood, Louisiana. Johnny was one of four founding owners of St. Gabriel Valve Service, working alongside David Downs, Frank Forbes, and LaRue Forbes. He was the last surviving founder, remembered for his hard work and dedication. Johnny found his happiest days in the woods of St. Francisville at JED Farm or on the water at Toledo Bend, fishing for bass. A person of great faith, Johnny was a member of Family of Faith Church for over 30 years.

Johnny, a loving and dedicated husband and father, is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Charlotte Gray Downs; son, David ‘Wayne’ Downs (Melinda); grandchildren Laurie Geter (James) and Ethan Downs (Shelby); as well as great-grandchildren, Dexter Geter and Cooper Downs. Other surviving family members include his sisters, Joyce Schram and Nora Ann McCulley, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnson ‘JC’ Downs and Marie Petty Downs; sons, John Eric Downs and James Edward Downs; granddaughter, Mary Ann Downs; brothers, David Downs and Donald Downs; and sisters, Donna Sue Goff and Christine Saragusa.

He lived his life with order and purpose, guided by a clear sense of right and wrong. Those who knew him best understood that his firmness came from love; a desire to protect, to guide, and to ensure the best for his family. His presence brought structure and direction to every room he entered, leaving behind a legacy of order, consistency, and care.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, officiated by Brother Mike Erickson, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bubba Anselmo, Raymond Anselmo, Mark Jones, James Kennerly, Mark Leto, and Rusty McCulley, with honorary pallbearers Brad Downs and Lee Nettles.

Charlotte wishes to thank the medical staff at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center Heart and Vascular Critical Care Unit for their care of Johnny during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Johnny’s memory to Family of Faith Church Building Fund, 10748 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 https://fofsbc.com/give.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com