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Downs Jr., Robert John

March 25, 1936 –
 July 24, 2016

Obituary

Robert John Downs, Jr. transitioned suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, July 24, 2016, at his home in Dallas, TX. Born in Dallas on March 25, 1936 to Robert and Mary (Owens) Downs, Bob was a North Dallas High School Bulldog (1953) and University of Houston Cougar (1960). In his early years Bob joined with friends to create the Doo-wop group, The Saints. Bob met his first wife, Blanquieta Hogue Downs, while attending college. In 1965, with Alton Curry and Paul Ranney, Bob co-founded the Dallas-area business Heritage Press. Driven by a need to excel, Bob and his co-workers often featured in Printing Industry of America awards ceremonies. A master storyteller, musician, actor, and woodworker, Bob acted in local community theater and television. Bob said his success was based on trusting others to do their best. The sound of his laughter and kind love remain with us always. Bob is survived by his wife, Langley; sister, Betty Douglas; children, Cathy Downs (Mike Hess), Joseph Downs (Darling), Jarmon Downs (fiancée Elizabeth Walsh), and stepson, Cole Ruede; grandchildren, Wade, Merrieta, Lynlee, Paul, and Reagan Downs, cousins, nieces, nephews and many long-time, loving friends. Bob was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Blanquieta, and by his son, Kendall.

Celebration of Life 6:30 – 10:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 9th 2016 Nuvo Room 4241 Sigma Road Dallas, Texas 75244

The family, following Bob’s desire to give forward, suggests that memorials may be made in his name to The WaterTower Theatre in Addison, TX and the Garland Civic Theatre in Garland, TX.

Arrangements are under the direction of: ARIA Cremation Service & Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700

    Kathy Harris
    28 Jul 2016
    6:26pm

    Thinking of you and praying for you as you move through this time surrounded by love and in God’s grace. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you all.

    Susan Giardina
    28 Jul 2016
    8:50pm

    Mimi, we are so sorry to know of Bob’s passing. Frank joins me in sending our sincere condolences. Know that you are in our thoughts.

    Warmest regards,

    Susan

    Martin Noyd
    28 Jul 2016
    10:06pm

    My friend for more than thirty years leaves all who knew him with a devastating sense of loss. In my life he was a source of inspiration, a friend in my times of trial, a companion during tours of frustrating golf and a dangerous opponent on my right or left at the friendly bridge table, as well as a most desired partner. Does it sound frivolous or shallow to remember these things? They were just some of the many times we shared. There are a million tales to tell or recall, and I sorely regret that they shall only reside in memory from this day, but shall be cherished forever.
    As the old melody softly rings: We’ll meet again
    Don’t know where
    Don’t know when,
    But we’ll meet again Somewhere,someplace, somehow.
    Martin

    Josh Murillo
    29 Jul 2016
    8:33am

    Dear Langley,
    I’m sorry to hear of you loss and my sincerest condolences to you and your family. Please know you are in my thoughts.
    Your Ireland Buddy,

    Josh Murillo

    Newell & Rosemary Alexander
    29 Jul 2016
    12:03pm

    Our thoughts are with you Langley, I am sending a tribute that I would like Jarmon to read at the party… I am glad I was there to see Bob one last delicious time, he drove in to the hotel, he was in fine form. He held court like he could and he, Jerry and I just had a great reunion, Bob was clear, sharp, and very funny right to the end. We will miss him greatly, he left more than he took away. We treasure your friendship.

    Dana Proulx-Willis
    29 Jul 2016
    2:17pm

    Langley, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss in Bob’s passing. Bob was always such an amazing presence, and I loved every minute I spent with him at the radio station and with both of you socially. Bob was a great friend and always fun to be with. I’m so glad he had you in his life these past few years– he loved you dearly.

    WaterTower Theatre
    29 Jul 2016
    3:28pm

    The Board and Staff of WaterTower Theatre send thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.

    Bruce kwass
    29 Jul 2016
    4:05pm

    I have always admired Bob in the printing industry as one on the best salespeople I ever met, & who I would always strive to be like and as successful as he was in print and in life in general. He was one heck of a nice man and he will be missed by all who ever had the pleasure to meet or work with him. Rest in peace Mr. Downs and I know we will meet again.

    Rosemary Alexander
    29 Jul 2016
    6:24pm

    I saw Bob on the Saturday before he passed. He was – as always – laughing, telling stories, being sweet and gracious. It was a shock to hear he is gone from our sight. He was a dear, talented, charming friend. I have a beautiful piece of furniture he crafted for our home and delivered it. We live in California – so he delivered it from Dallas to California. We had a great visit, went to the Theatre, ate yummy food and laughed a lot. He will live in my fond memories forever. To all of his family and friends, I am so sorry for the loss of this precious person. He was one of a kind – and the best kind.
    RIP, Dear Bob.

    Nancy Wichman Miller
    30 Jul 2016
    10:33am

    Mimi, so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. May the strength of your family help all of you.

    Steve Cumming
    30 Jul 2016
    5:32pm

    Bob served the visually impaired for close to 30 years at North Texas Radio for the Blind, much of it reading newspapers on the air… USA Today and the supermarket tabloids. As he said at the beginning of “Tabloid Time” each week (with his co-reader), “If it’s in print, it…must…be…true.” (He started using that line before Facebook and the Internet, but it was always delivered as a joke.) Dana… earlier in this thread… was one of his on-air partners. Bob was funny and friendly with a healthy dose of “ham.” Miss you already, Bob. We’ll lift a brew in your honor at the next NTRB reunion.

    Dick Mitchell
    30 Jul 2016
    6:37pm

    Debbi and I are so sorry for your family’s loss. Bob was a champion! His contribution to literature and art by creating the ten book series, This Heritage Remembered, is significant. Having played a small part in Bob’s orchestration, I know for certain that the first book (if not more) is in The Library of Congress.

    Carol Anderson Moss
    31 Jul 2016
    11:11am

    The family of Bob’s cousin, Betsy French Ziegler send their condolences . Our Mom always had fond memories of her long visits to Dallas and playing with her cousin Bob. God Bless.

    Laura Anderson Age
    31 Jul 2016
    2:53pm

    Uncle Bob, writing from Mom – Cousin Betsy. I will never forget the visits to Texas and your trip to see us in Miami with Blan and all the kids.
    Our prayers are with the rest of the family through this time of grief and pain.
    Love to you all.

    James Halteman
    1 Aug 2016
    4:43pm

    Sharon and I are sorry for your loss. Our sincerest condolences to your family. May God’s Grace be with you. Everytime I see Bob’s wood cabinet he made for my Heritage Press Remembered Book Collect, I think of him. God Bless.

    James (Jimmy) Dusenberry
    3 Aug 2016
    10:43am

    Wonderfully talented man with a robust zeal for life. I can see him up in heaven working on their marketing strategies. God bless you each and every one.

    Veronica L. Miller
    13 Aug 2016
    11:34am

    Bob was a wonderful, entertaining character of a man…Heaven will enjoy his beautiful voice and presence. Langley & Cole, take care of yourselves and know you are thought of every day.

    Jan Crockett
    21 Aug 2016
    4:37pm

    I had the privilege of sitting in with Bob at Reading & Radio Resource a few times and had so much fun working with him. It was an honor and pleasure.

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