DeWayne C. Downs

DeWayne Curtis Downs 87 of Saranac passed away Thursday, July 29th, 2021 in Ionia. DeWayne was born February 18, 1934 in Ithaca,  the son of Clarence and Nyda (Dailey) Downs.

DeWayne grew up in North Star with his siblings. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1951. Dewayne lived  in the Ionia /Saranac area most of his life, operating The Downs Agency, selling insurance and real estate. He participated in many community organizations, such as Jaycees and Sons of the  American Legion. DeWayne enjoyed his years spent at Snow Lake, where he extended his hospitality to family and friends to join for frequent gatherings.  He was a dedicated Michigan State Spartan Fan, who took advantage of  season tickets and  loved to tailgate with other fans. He and his siblings were very close, and their tradition of holding large family reunions will continue. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed organizing group outings for family and friends.

DeWayne is survived by his children, Debra Downs and David (Nancy) Downs; grandchildren, James (Heather) Bledsoe, Matthew (Jennifer) Bledsoe, Erin (Andrew) Paiz, Allison Downs, Lucas (Sara) Higgins, Andrew Downs, Nathan (Sarah) Downs, and Daniel Barnick; 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

DeWayne was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia (Patti) Lea Allen Downs; his parents; his daughter, Denise Downs; granddaughter, Barbara Barnick; sisters, Audrey Jean Shaw and Evelyn Curtis; brothers, Ira Downs and William (Bill) Downs, and finally, his loyal dog, Sparty.  

Memorial services will be noon on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Saranac Community Church. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be at Saranac Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to the Saranac Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the church and or  Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding where funeral care has been entrusted.  

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