John Lawrence Downs

John Lawrence “Larry” Downs, 87, of Sandy Hook died January 11 at Danbury Hospital. Born in Newtown, he was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Lowe Hill Downs, whom he married on June 1, 1940.

He was a 1935 graduate of the State Trade School of Bridgeport (which later became Bullard-Havens) and had worked as a facilities electrician for the Allison Co of Bridgeport. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Bridgeport Chapter, and was an avid NASCAR fan.

Mr Downs will be remembered for his outstanding work ethic and devotion to his family. Survivors include a son, Roger L. Downs and his wife Nancy of Oxford, Neb.; a daughter Sandra Guibord and her husband Russell of Bristol Mills, Maine; four loving grandchildren, John Budd, Susan Budd Bramhall, Crystal Downs, and Joy Downs; and four cherished great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service for both Larry and Elizabeth on Saturday, January 17, at 11 am in the Riverside United Methodist Church on Freeman Road, Oxford, with Rev Ronald Gray officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lesko-Miner Funeral Home, 155 Main Street (Route 25), Monroe.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Riverside Cemetery Association, c/o John Downs, 666 Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, CT 06478.

The Newtown Bee        January 16, 2004