Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Downs age 90 of Hope, Arkansas passed away Thursday, February 27, 2020. He was born in Bodcaw, Arkansas October 8, 1929 to Edgar Davis Downs and Bertie Ann Mitchell Downs, both of whom proceeded him in death.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Helen Marie Atkins Downs, a brother, Earl and wife June Downs, a sister, Kathleen and husband Waylon Kirkpatrick.
He is survived by two sons, Dr. Michael R. Downs and wife Mary Lou, Mitch Downs and wife Sandie all of Hope, AR a sister, Jeanette and husband Thomas Pearson of Magnolia, AR, five grandsons, John Hooker and Jeanne of Hot Springs, AR, Tony Hooker and Holly of Hope, AR, Anthony Downs and Ginger of Hope, AR, Charlie Downs and Sarah of Diana, TX, Chris Downs and Mary of Hot Springs, AR, ten great grandchildren and a host of family members and friends.
He was a graduate of Bodcaw High School, he received a BS in Geology from Southern State College, he received a MS in engineering from Arizona State University and at the Army Command and General Staff College. He retired from the Army Corps of Engineers after 25 years of service. His assignments included a number of states, Korea, Germany, and two tours in Vietnam. While in Korea, he and a group of soldiers built a home for 50 orphans. The Hope High School Student Council provided food, clothes, and money to support the orphanage.
His military awards include United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one Campaign Star, Vietnam Service Medal with four Campaign Stars, Air Medal, two Bronze Stars, and The Legion of Merit.
After retiring from the Army Lieutenant Colonel Downs moved to Hope and had a second career as a manager of engineering with Champion parts of Hope. He was also very active in community activities; he was a Charter Member of St. John United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Trustee, Treasurer and Council Member. He served on the Rainbow of Challenges Board, Hope Water and Light Commission, Board of Governor’s Southern State College Foundation, as President of the Southern State College Alumni Association, and the Governor’s Private Industry Council. In 1976, he was selected as an Outstanding Alumni of Southern State College and in 1990 he received Hope Hempstead County Citizen of the year award.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John United Methodist Church 814 N. Hervey St. Hope, Arkansas 71801.
Visitation will be from 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Sunday, March 1, 2020 at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest Funeral Home 1001 South Main St. Hope, Arkansas 71801.
Funeral service will be 3:00pm, Sunday, March 1, 2020 at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Miller and Rev. Danny Dunlap officiating. Burial to follow at Memory Gardens in Hope with full military honors. Arrangements are with BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie BRAZZEL, Director. Online Condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com