Ronald E. Downs

Ronald E. Downs, 88, of Franklin, formerly of Emlenton passed away peacefully at home in the company of his loving family on Thursday morning, August 8, 2024. 

Ronald was born at home in Emlenton on April 2, 1936. He was the son of the late Earl H. and Grace A. Texter Downs. 

He was a 1954 graduate of Parker High School and was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam Era. Ron retired from the Quaker State Refining Corporation in Emlenton following nearly 30 years of service. 

In his earlier years, he and his wife attended the Emlenton Presbyterian Church.

Ron enjoyed camping, stamp collecting, and spending time with his family. 

Ronald is survived by his wife Judith A. Wareham Downs, whom he married in Knox on September 1, 1962. 

He is survived by three children; R. Scott Downs and his wife Amy of Clintonville; Shawn E. Downs and his wife Cris of Broomfield; Julie K. Bullard and her husband Thomas of Franklin. Ron was affectionately "Papa" to his six grandchildren; Caitlin Reagle and her husband Matt; Ally Downs, Joshua Downs, Caroline Worley and her husband Joshua, and Christopher and Christina Bullard. Three great-grandchildren survive; Luna, Nova, and Isla Reagle. A number of nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by a brother, Sherman E. Downs. 

Friends will be received at the Hile Best Funeral Home, 2781 Route 257, Seneca, Cranberry Twp from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday from the funeral home with the Rev. Darrell Greenawalt, pastor, Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin, officiating. Military honors will be accorded at 1:45 p.m. Sunday, at the funeral home by members of the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard, Franklin. 

Interment will be at Scrubgrass Stone Church Cemetery, Emlenton. 

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