Obituary: Joseph A. Downs, 87, Bardstown

Joseph A. Downs, 87, of Bardstown, died Friday, May 10, 2019, at Windsor Gardens. He was the son of the late James Leon Downs and Mary Regina Nally Downs. He was a native of Nelson County and attended St. Joseph Preparatory School. He retired from General Electric Appliance Park after 36-1/2 years. He also worked for Wilson Brothers Chevrolet for 17 years. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a Kentucky Colonel, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a little league baseball coach. Also, he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and usher.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Regina Roberts and Rita Wilson; and one grandson, Joe Ray Young.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Catherine Corine Hill Downs; three daughters, Deborah (Reese) Forshee of Middleburg, Fla., Jacqueline Downs and Grace (Patrick) Young, both of Bardstown; five sons, Wayne Downs (Shelia) and Chris Downs (Kathy), both of Bardstown, Timmy Downs (Robin) of Davenport, Fla., Danny Downs of Springfield, and Rex Downs (Debbie) of Boston; one sister, Martha Ann Clark of St. Francis; 15 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The memorial Mass is 11 a.m. Monday, May 13, 2019, at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto- Cathedral with a private graveside service at the church cemetery. Cremation was chosen by the family.

Memorial contributions may go to Alzheimer’s Research Association.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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