Michael Downs

Michael R. Downs, 65, a resident of rural Churubusco and formerly of the Huntertown-area, passed away at 12:43 a. m. on Sunday, April 3, 2011, at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City shortly after admission. e He had been in failing health for some time. Mr. Downs was born on November 3, 1945 in Fort Wayne, a son of Archie O. and Clara M. (Wells) Downs, and spent his formative years in the Huntertown-area.e He graduated from Huntertown High School in 1964, and received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Ball State University.e He was married in Fort Wayne on August 19, 1967 to Patricia W. Fitch, and had lived in rural Allen County until moving to his present home near Churubusco in 2001. As a young man he was a teacher and coach at St. Peter's School in Fort Wayne, and for 25 years worked as a sales representative for Hercules Machinery Corporation in New Haven. He was a member of the Huntertown Lions Club, and was active with the Huntertown Little League program for many years.e In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, dirt bikes, traveling, and most especially loved and cherished his family. The surviving relatives include his wife Patricia; two sons Nicholas (Peggy) Downs of Fort Wayne and Dustin Downs of Churubusco; his sister Melody Plummer of Fort Wayne; a niece Melani (Gary) Middaugh of Waterloo; a nephew Matthew (Aimee Nix) Plummer of Churubusco; and three grandchildren Heather Downs, Caitlyn Downs, and Eric Downs.e His parents preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. on Thursday, April 7, 2011, at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, 1502 E. Wallen Road, with Msgr. John Kuzmich officiating. The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Huntertown Cemetery. For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, 6316 Mutual Drive, Fort Wayne, INe 46825 *******************************************