Leslie J. Downs
Hyrum, Utah – Les Downs, 85, passed away peacefully at
Logan Regional Hospital, Monday, September 15, 2003.
He was born November 9, 1917, in Smithfield, Utah,
just minutes before his identical twin, Weslie J.
Downs, the third of 12 children born to Arthur Edward
and Birdie Cornelia Hunt Downs.
Les grew up in Smithfield, graduating from North Cache
High School. A veteran of World War II, he served in
the United States in England, Italy and France. Upon
returning home he met and married his eternal
companion, Marian Ione Burrell, on September 12, 1946,
in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, and settled in Hyrum. A
farmer by heart, Les trained and raised quarter
horses. He and his twin brother were well-known for
their perfectly matched and groomed draft horses. He
worked at Thiokol, LDS Distribution Center, and
retired from Utah State University in 1982. A member
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he
served faithfully in many callings. His family and
church was undoubtedly the most important thing in his
life.
Les is survived by his devoted wife, and children: J.
Douglas Downs (Cindy), Bountiful; Shauna Jensen
(Steven), Logan; Joel L. Downs (Tana), Smithfield; and
Josie Shepherd (Dave), North Ogden, as well as
siblings, Glen E. (Loree) Downs, Smithfield, Weslie J.
(Marzell) Downs, Hyrum, Venna D. (Keith) McBride,
Plain City, L. Rolan (Georgia) Downs, Smithfield,
Robert K. (Reta) Downs, Hyde Park, J. Lee (Mary)
Downs, Quincy, Washington, Seth L. (Sharon) Downs,
Smithfield, Jerry Downs (Renee), North Logan,
sister-ini-laws, Laura Downs (Logan), and Clarice
Downs (Smithfield). He delighted in 17
grandchildren, 7 plus great-grandchildren, and many
nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his
parents, brothers, Parley and Lewis, sisters, Nona and
Lois, and one grandson, Dana.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday,
September 18, 2003, at the Hyrum 10th Ward Chapel, 111
North 400 West, Hyrum, with Bishop Mike Richardson
conducting. Friends and family may call from 6-8 p.m.
Wednesday evening, Allen Hall Mortuary, 34 East
Center, Logan, and from 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. on
Thursday, at the church prior to services. Burial
will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery. Online condolences
may be sent to the family at www.allenhallmortuary.com