Obituary: Joseph Earl Downs, 91, Bardstown

Joseph Earl Downs, 91, of Bardstown, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017. He was a World War II Air Force Veteran, a farmer, owner of Downs Paving Co. and a true entrepreneur. He was a life-long member of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral parish.

JOSEPH EARL DOWNS

He was known for his quick-wit and sense of humor. He loved his family and was happiest when everyone was sitting around his kitchen table or around his backyard pool. He enjoyed traveling, watching football and listening to political pundits. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. and Ada Hall Downs; one daughter, Laura Ann Bishop; three sisters, Frances Burch, Marithelma Kelly and Jane West; three brothers, Ray Downs, Joe Pat Downs and Julian Downs; one son-in-law, J.I. Greenwell; and one great-grandson, Kelin MacDonald.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara Woodard Downs; four daughters, Mary Alice (Tom) Zettel and Susan (Steven) Clark, both of Louisville, Barbie (Michael) Bryant and Cece (Randy) Burba both Bardstown; two sons, Joey (Val) Downs and John (Lisa) Downs, both of Bardstown; two brothers, Alfred Downs of Chattanooga, Tenn. and Dennis (Charmaine) Downs of Bardstown; 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral with the Rev. Wilfredo Fernandez celebrant. Burial is in the church cemetery.

Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Thursday, at the Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home with prayers Thursday evening.

The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, The Healing Place in Louisville or the charity of your choice.

The Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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