Russell Downs Sr., age 75, formerly of Evart passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Reed City Skilled Nursing Facility, where he resided the last few months. Russ was born on March 25, 1947 in Reed City and raised in Reed City before his family moved to Barryton, MI, when he was a young man. His parents, Ralph and Marie (Gibson) Downs kept busy raising their seven children and teaching them how to be productive.
Russ married Catherine E. Rehkopf on June 5, 1965 in Reed City at the Lincoln Twp. Hall. They made their home in the Barryton and Evart area where their children were raised. In the 80's Russ decided tree service suited him. With his cousins at his side they began Barryton Tree Service, which has been passed on to family since his retirement in the mid 1990's.
Russ was a fun dad who enjoyed trips with his family and doing crafts.
He is survived by: children, James (Christine) Borgeld of Grand Rapids, Karen (Robert) Fuller of Six Lakes, Russell Jr. (Donna) Downs of Crystle River, FL, Tina Downs of Six Lakes and Stacey Downs of Evart; siblings, William (Barb) Johnson of Reed City, Judy Downs of Reed City; 8 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Russ will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Catherine at Ashton Cemetery. He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Rosemary (Robert) Rehkopf, Edna (Melvin) Langworth, Ilene Watt, Roy Johnson and infant sister, Carlene Johnson.
Per his wishes no public services will be held at this time. Arrangements and care were entrusted to Corey Funeral Home in Evart.
Russ married Catherine E. Rehkopf on June 5, 1965 in Reed City at the Lincoln Twp. Hall. They made their home in the Barryton and Evart area where their children were raised. In the 80's Russ decided tree service suited him. With his cousins at his side they began Barryton Tree Service, which has been passed on to family since his retirement in the mid 1990's.
Russ was a fun dad who enjoyed trips with his family and doing crafts.
He is survived by: children, James (Christine) Borgeld of Grand Rapids, Karen (Robert) Fuller of Six Lakes, Russell Jr. (Donna) Downs of Crystle River, FL, Tina Downs of Six Lakes and Stacey Downs of Evart; siblings, William (Barb) Johnson of Reed City, Judy Downs of Reed City; 8 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Russ will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Catherine at Ashton Cemetery. He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Rosemary (Robert) Rehkopf, Edna (Melvin) Langworth, Ilene Watt, Roy Johnson and infant sister, Carlene Johnson.
Per his wishes no public services will be held at this time. Arrangements and care were entrusted to Corey Funeral Home in Evart.
Russell Downs Sr., age 75, formerly of Evart passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Reed City Skilled Nursing Facility, where he resided the last few months. Russ was born on March 25, 1947 in Reed City and raised in Reed City before his family moved to Barryton, MI, when he was a young man. His parents, Ralph and Marie (Gibson) Downs kept busy raising their seven children and teaching them how to be productive.
Russ married Catherine E. Rehkopf on June 5, 1965 in Reed City at the Lincoln Twp. Hall. They made their home in the Barryton and Evart area where their children were raised. In the 80's Russ decided tree service suited him. With his cousins at his side they began Barryton Tree Service, which has been passed on to family since his retirement in the mid 1990's.
Russ was a fun dad who enjoyed trips with his family and doing crafts.
He is survived by: children, James (Christine) Borgeld of Grand Rapids, Karen (Robert) Fuller of Six Lakes, Russell Jr. (Donna) Downs of Crystle River, FL, Tina Downs of Six Lakes and Stacey Downs of Evart; siblings, William (Barb) Johnson of Reed City, Judy Downs of Reed City; 8 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Russ will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Catherine at Ashton Cemetery. He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Rosemary (Robert) Rehkopf, Edna (Melvin) Langworth, Ilene Watt, Roy Johnson and infant sister, Carlene Johnson.
Per his wishes no public services will be held at this time. Arrangements and care were entrusted to Corey Funeral Home in Evart.
Russ married Catherine E. Rehkopf on June 5, 1965 in Reed City at the Lincoln Twp. Hall. They made their home in the Barryton and Evart area where their children were raised. In the 80's Russ decided tree service suited him. With his cousins at his side they began Barryton Tree Service, which has been passed on to family since his retirement in the mid 1990's.
Russ was a fun dad who enjoyed trips with his family and doing crafts.
He is survived by: children, James (Christine) Borgeld of Grand Rapids, Karen (Robert) Fuller of Six Lakes, Russell Jr. (Donna) Downs of Crystle River, FL, Tina Downs of Six Lakes and Stacey Downs of Evart; siblings, William (Barb) Johnson of Reed City, Judy Downs of Reed City; 8 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
Russ will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Catherine at Ashton Cemetery. He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Rosemary (Robert) Rehkopf, Edna (Melvin) Langworth, Ilene Watt, Roy Johnson and infant sister, Carlene Johnson.
Per his wishes no public services will be held at this time. Arrangements and care were entrusted to Corey Funeral Home in Evart.
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