Walter M. "Wally" Downs Obituary (1922 - 2015)

Walter M. "Wally" Downs passed away September 4, 2015 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Rauscher Downs; a brother, Charles Downs; two sisters, Mary Thompson and Joyce Menk; five daughters, Diane Christoffers, Nancy (Donny) Combs, Martha (Don) Stewardson, Amy (Robert) Naas, Carol (Wesley) Davis; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Downs-Carter; 18 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; nieces, nephews, and numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his ex-wife, Margery Iten; his second wife Joyce Brown; two sons, Steven Downs and David Downs; and his sister, Virginia Downs. Wally was born November 2, 1922 in Pana, IL, the son of Walter E. Downs Eva Marie Middlesworth Downs. He attended elementary school and graduated from Pana High School in 1941. He was accepted in a two year ROTC Program at the University of Illinois. He enlisted in the naval Air Force in 1943. After rigorous training as a dive bomber, his air group was assigned to the aircraft carrier Bennington. He flew the SB2C in the Pacific area. During that period, Wally received the Navy Cross for bravery in action, the Silver Star, and three air medals. Although he was extremely grateful to receive the highest honor of the Navy Cross, few people ever heard him mention it. He never forgot the 20% of his air group who gave their lives for our country. Wally had many interests. He played about every sport that required a ball. His favorite was playing football during high school. Some sixty years later, he still had his high school football play book. He also was proficient in high jump and track. He began playing golf at age 12 and as an adult won the Club Championship at Pana country Club and Burnt Store C.C. in Punta Gorda, FL. He enjoyed camping and fishing trips in Canada. He taught his children to water ski. Wally also loved hunting and focused mainly on quail shooting. He liked training dogs and tromping about in the fields. In later years, he enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons play football and basketball. He spent many hours watching the little ones play soccer, baseball or whatever. Another of his passions was reading. When he learned to read in the first or second grade, it opened a whole new world for him. He hustled home for lunch to read the serial story in the Saturday Evening Post magazine. He was an avid reader of a wide variety of subjects. He walked a couple miles several times a week and could identify all the trees, shrubs, and birds. After Wally's honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Pana, IL. He and his brother Charles were in partnership of Downs Motor Company. In 1980, Wally retired from the agency. He acquired a wholesale bait and tackle business with his son, Steve, which he referred to as his fun job. In his droll way he commented, "I don't catch fish; I just catch fishermen." His Sunday afternoon ritual was driving in the country to check on the corn and soy bean crops during the growing season. Occasionally he hitched a ride on the Dorns' combine during harvest. As Wally's health declined and he could no longer play golf, he and Joyce took duplicate bridge lessons. He had played social bridge for years, but duplicate bridge became one of his favorite pastimes. His memberships included the First United Methodist Church of Pana, the Rotary Club, Sportsman's Club, Phi Delta Theta and other educational programs. Wally was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He marked his calendar with birth dates of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and personally sent each a birthday card and monetary gift. He encouraged his grandchildren to pursue their education. Wally will be missed by his family and close friends, but he was blessed with many bonus years. As each new great grandchild was born, he said "I would sure like to be around long enough to see how this one turns out." At his annual checkup, he asked the doctor for a 10 year guarantee. The doctor smiled and responded that his warranty had expired. In his life's journey, he influenced many lives and holds a special place in our hearts. Funeral Information Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church, Pana with Pastor Stephen Palmer officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Pana with graveside military rites by Pana Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time in the church.