William David Downs Jr.
May 23, 1929 ~ December 30, 2022
Resided in:
Lebanon, Maine
William David Downs Jr. was born in Derby, Connecticut May 23, 1929 to William David Downs Sr. and Margaret Loughlin Downs. He passed away December 30, 2022, he was 93 years old.
Bill lived in Oxford, Connecticut for eighty years before moving to Lebanon, Maine. After graduating from Derby High School, he served in the US Army 3rd Infantry Regiment Fort Myer, Virginia before transferring to the 433rd Army Reserve Company in Connecticut. Following his military service, Bill worked for Connecticut Light & Power for 48 years. Bill was a volunteer of the Riverside Volunteer Fire Company for more than 50 years as a Firefighter and Fire Policeman.
Bill leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Barbara S. Downs of Lebanon, Maine. He leaves three children: Donna Losoya of California; William Downs III and his wife Madalena of Maine; and Barbara Kelly and her husband Sean of Maine. Bill’s extended family includes five grandchildren: Nicholas Losoya, his wife Ashley, and Bill’s great grandchildren Grayson and Lacey of Arizona; Chullainn Kelly of Massachusetts; Alexander Losoya of California; Margaret Kelly of Massachusetts; and Wyatt Downs of Maine. Bill also leaves behind his brother John Downs of Oxford, Connecticut, as well as several nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Bill spoke fondly of growing up on a farm in rural Connecticut, walking to school early to build a fire so the one room school house was warm when the teacher arrived, his mom’s yellow cake and chocolate frosting, dear lifelong friendships, going to the beach in Hammonasett State Park in Connecticut, East Beach in Rhode Island and camping at Burlingame State Park.
Many of Bill’s favorite things to do have been passed down the generations. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren about hunting, fishing, and tying flies. Bill was a fan of PGA golf and NASCAR racing; he cheered for Jack Nicklaus and Dale Earnhardt, Phil Mickelson and Chase Elliott. In his quiet time, he read the entire libraries of Louis L’amour and Stuart Woods; he solved mysteries with Perry Mason and the Regan clan on Blue Bloods; he shouted answers during Jeopardy and letters to Vanna and Pat during Wheel of Fortune.
Bill will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In respect of his wishes, there will be no services. If you would like to make a donation in his name he requests that you consider giving to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of CT to support research. Donations to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation can be sent in Bill’s name to 101 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 107, Middletown, CT 06457; or donate online at www.cff.org/donate.
Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Well he was a great dad and grandpa. We have had many great adventures creating memories we will have forever. Miss you and love you dad with all my heart.
Uncle Bill was my fathers long time friend from high school. He was in my parents wedding. Our family along with his family spent a lot of time together picnicking and camping.
His family, especially the kids and grandkids. He made it to all the big events regardless of where he had to travel. He was also very proud of our accomplishments and felt that he and mommy together, raised a family that made him very proud!
We were drilled on the multiplication tables…
12 x 12 is 144
I don’t know of many people my age that lived in Oxford that didn’t know Mr Downs. The big guy in the CL&P truck. Sorry to see his passing. A respected man, that raised a wonderful family.
Bill, my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Grandpa never failed to make me smile, he will always be my best friend. I miss him dearly and I am sending love to anyone and everyone who his impacted by his passing.