Gary M. Downer

Gary M. Downer, 83, of Beaver, passed away Sunday, October 16, 2022.

Born April 13, 1939, he was a son of the late Reverend Maurice and Mary Downer. Gary graduated in 1957 from Marine City High School in Michigan. Signed to a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers, Gary’s plans changed when he was called to serve in the U. S. Navy shortly after graduation. He proudly served for 6 years, having trained as an aerial photographer. Upon his return to Detroit, he enjoyed a career as a production foreman for the Ford Motor Company, later joining the United Association as a welder/pipefitter until his retirement in 2004. Gary enjoyed a second career as a bus driver with Frye Transportation until 2021. He was a faithful member of Christian Assembly Church, Industry, and an avid Steelers, Penguins, and University of Michigan Football fan.

Gary will be greatly missed by his wife of 30 years, Barbara Kubicki Downer, Beaver; sons, Dennis (Amy) Downer, Brighton Twp., and David Downer, Rochester; daughters, Barbara Williams and Jennifer Bittenbender, both of Vanport, Pamela (Eric) Simcox, KY, and Melissa (Patrick) Stuckwish, Boardman, OH; brother, Robert Downer, and sisters, Judy (Ken) Wilde, and Charlene (Gary) Coomer, all of Michigan; 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Boyd; and brother, Earl Downer.

A memorial service will be conducted Sunday, November 13, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Christian Assembly Church, Ohioville. Interment at Beaver Cemetery will take place at a later date. Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary’s name may be made to Christian Assembly Church, 6241 Tuscarawas Road, Industry, PA 15052.