R.A. (Bob) Downs

R.A. (Bob) Downs, age 91, of Battle Creek, passed away on December 22, 2018 at his residence. He was born on October 18, 1927 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of R.A. Downs Sr. and Grace (Harden) Foss. Bob joined the Navy during WWII, serving aboard a destroyer in the Pacific. After the war he finished his education, graduating from Bremerton High School in Washington, and later attending Kellogg Community College. Bob worked forty years for the railroad, before retiring from Grand Trunk Western in 1988. He was a member of the Delton VFW and the Mancelona Moose Lodge where he was Governor and Administrator. Bob was also a member of the APD Association, serving as chairman for four years. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Barbara (Harmon) Downs, sister, Beverly Blette, and brother-in-law, Jerry Slaughter. Surviving are a son; Roy (Ruth) Downs of Battle Creek, daughters; Kim (Mark) Osborn of Battle Creek, Sally Truken of Forest Lake, MN, sister; Roberta Slaughter of Grand Rapids, twelve grandchildren and several great and great-great grandchildren. Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, with a committal service to follow at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to LifeCare Ambulance Service. Condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org