Charles Alex Downs Sr., 91, also known as CA “Red” Downs, of Bardstown, passed away Monday, July 27, 2026 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on Dec. 5, 1934, in Greenbrier, the son of Joseph Lee and Mary Ethel O’Daniel Downs. He was a humorous, kind, and wise man. He enjoyed working in his garden, mowing, and piddling in the garage. He loved woodworking, playing cornhole, and hillbilly golf. CA had a passion for camping, traveling, and yardsales.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Mike and Roger Downs; brothers, Leroy, Harry T. “Truman”, Herald, and Ronnie Downs; sisters, Rose Kidwell and Wanda Neal; and daughter-in-law, Prudie Downs.
He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Dorothy Settles Downs; sons, Charlie (Kathy) Downs, and Scott (Ann) Downs; daughter, Jennifer (Tommy) Berry; grandchildren, Daniel Downs, Shaun (Lindsey) Downs, Lauren (David) Hennessee, Brandon (Ashley) Downs, Kaci (Cole) Elder, Zacary (Bre) Downs, Katye (Garrett) Berry, Layne Berry, Kyle (Kim) Simpson, and Eric (Kyle) Miletic; sister, Ann Downs; brother, Billy Downs; and several great-grandchildren.
His funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at St. Thomas Catholic Church with burial to follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Father Ben Brown will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026 from noon to 5 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 3 from 8 to 9:15 a.m. at Barlow Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Downs, Shaun Downs, Brandon Downs, Zacary Downs, Layne Berry, Tommy Berry, Kyle Simpson, and Eric Simpson. Honorary pallbearers will be Kaci Elder, Lauren Hennessee, and Katye Berry.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.