Richard Vaughn Downs

1936 - 2017

Richard Vaughn Downs

January 04, 1936 - July 12, 2017

Visalia

Richard "Dick" Vaughn Downs, 81 of Exeter, Ca was born January 4, 1936 and died July 12, 2017 at Kaweah Delta hospital following a period of declining health. He passed quickly and peacefully surrounded by many beloved friends and family.

Richard was born in Coulee Dam WA the son of Vaughn and Margaret Savage Downs. He graduated from Ephrata High School in 1954. He then enlisted in the US Army. His basic training unit consisted of 232 men and he was one of 2 that served in Hawaii while the rest were sent to Korea. After his military enlistment ended he used his wages to travel the world for the summer visiting nine countries from Guam to Australia which he recounted for decades with great enthusiasm.

After his world tour he attended Whitman College and not too long after he married the love of his life Janet Atkinson Downs in 1962. They enjoyed 46 wonderful years together before she passed in 2009. Soon after marrying Richard became a contract administrator for Bechtel. During his career he spent six year in Saudi. They continued to travel together abroad, took a few cruises and lived throughout the United States in Boston, Chicago, Richmond, San Francisco and Washington D.C.

Richard and Janet eventually retired to Janet's hometown Exeter, Ca where they delighted in knowing and gaining many friends in this community. In his later years Richard enjoyed dining at various restaurants, socializing with friends and neighbors and being involved with the local Kiwanis Club. He also dedicated time and efforts to local scholarships and fund raisers.

Richard really loved long road trips to his former hometown as well as watching most sporting events, his favorites being football and March madness. Although he was a known cat lover he later came to realize that "a dog is a mans best friend." He enjoyed sitting in the backyard with his little companion Rocco the Yorkie.

Although Richard was an only child and never had children, he spent the last years of his life with many loved ones that considered him family. His house was always filled with laughter and celebrating joyous occasions and holidays. May 14, 2016 was the day Richard gave his life to the Lord. He will be missed greatly by everyone that knew him because to know him was to love him. Richard will be laid to rest in Washington at Spring Canyon Cemetery next to his parents and beloved wife Jan.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Exeter Kiwanis Club in his memory, would be appreciated. Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter. Condolences to www.smithfamilychapel.com