Justin “J.D.” Downer
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Funeral service for Justin “J.D.” Clare Downer, 55, Lawrence, KS will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Burial will follow in the Appanoose Cemetery in Rural Overbrook, KS. He died May 9, 2014 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
He was born on September 14, 1958 in Garden City, KS the son of Keith Lowell and Carol Jean (Rhoades) Downer.
J.D. worked in construction all his life. He took great pride in his work. Some of his Garden City landmarks are Finney County Fairgrounds, St. Catherine Imagine Center, Asian Exhibit at the zoo, Front door project at Garden City Community College, Garden Valley Church Family Center and the list goes on and on. His most recent projects were Twin Peaks in Olathe and another in Independence. He never knew a stranger and always made the grandkids laugh. They called him Pa Justin and he loved them so much.
He married Vicki Sue Simmons on January 4, 1985 in Garden City, KS. She survives of the home.
Survivors include his father, Keith Downer and mother, Candy Downer, Garden City; daughters, Rashawn Slinkard (Bill Keating), Dallas, Texas, Tashina Case (Mike), Lawrence; son, Jace Downer (Diana), Lawrence; brother, Arlan Downer, Wichita; sisters, Roxanna Weston, Los Lunas,New Mexico, Robin Fawvor, Stillwater, Oklahoma and five grandchildren, Peyton Case, Jaylon Case, Jace Cole Downer, Jr., Kyra Downer, Lexi Downer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Dechant; brother, Harlan Downer and sister, Rhonda Oliver.
The family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2014 at the Mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Finney County Historical Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com
Sorry for your loss.
Vicky and family,
So sorry to hear about Justin. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Vicki, you have my prayers and good thoughts. I have always considered Justin a friend of mine. He could be rough around the edges but Justin had a good heart. Alisa, my daughter, will always remember Justin convincing her that a whale was trapped in a diesel tank. Justin was great around kids.
Again, my prayers and good thoughts are with you and your family.
My Condolances. Justin was a friend. Sorry Vicki!
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all
Vicki,
So sorry to hear about Justin. He always had a way of making people smile! My prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Vicki & family
My deepest condolences to you. My the good Lod greatly bless & comfort you during this time.
With Love & prayers
Archie
Vicki, and family.
My condolences to you and your family. Not only do I remember you and Justin, growing up in Garden City, but also shopping at the store I managed, Dillon’s West, in G.C. So sorry for your loss.
Steve Avila~
Vicki, Jace, Tashina, Rashawn, and families,
We are so sad to hear of the passing of Pa Justin, he was an awesome person and we enjoyed his company as he would stop by and pick up the grandkids, I know that lil Jace and Kyra could hardly wait to get out the door when he drove up, I would always ask the kids what are you guys going to go do, they would tell me that Pa Justin was going to take them to feed the horses I would just smile cause I thought that was so cool. I have been so blessed to know the Downer family and especially to get to watch their lil ones in daycare, thanks for sharing them. Ms. Vicki you are one of the strongest people I know, and I admire that. My family wont be able to attend the service in the morning but Just know we are thinking of each and everyone of you and we will be praying that God will wrap his arms around you and give you a since of peace. My heart is heavy, but just know you all have the best Angel right their by your side and memories to treasure forever. We love you guys!!!
Vicki and family,
I was so surprised to hear of Justin’s passing. I don’t know what to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. I know it meant a lot to Don that he and Justin made amends in January. Please know that my family is praying for yours.
Shelly (Dechant) Lumley
Ness City
Vicki, Rashawn, Tashina and Jace –
I don’t know what to say. We are so so sorry for your loss. Justin was a great man and will always have a special place in our hearts. We were shocked to hear the news. We are unable to come to the funeral but want you to know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all!
John and Nancy
Vicki, Jace & family,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We have so many great memories of summers at the ballparks. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Kevin, Janet, Ryan & Kelsey
Vicky, Rashawn, Tashina, Jace and families,
The news that Justin died was shocking and heart wrenching. My heart aches for all of you. May god comfort you in your time of grief. If there is anything I can do for any of you, please let me know. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a great guy. Love Julie
We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in your prayers!! He was much too young. Hope you find some comfort in knowing that he is with the Lord.
Vicki and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Justin.
You and your family will be in my prayers and thoughts.