Harold Downs

Harold Ralph Downs, 85, of Le Grand, Iowa, passed away on July 3, 2018 at the Iowa River Hospice Home surrounded by his loving family.Harold was born in Montour, Iowa on 07/31/1932. He attended Montour High School, Montour, Iowa. After high school Harold enlisted in the US Air Force. He joined the service in 1951 and remained in uniform for 4 years. He was extremely proud to be a veteran. Harold was married to Norma Lea Martin Howard on 03/17/1967 joining their families. Norma brought to their union her children, Doug, Diane and David, Harold brought a daughter Patricia and 3 step children Rick, Sherry and Connie. Harold and Norma lived in Montour then built a home in Le Grand. They were married for 51 years. Harold was a Carpenter by trade, building and remodeling several homes through out his career. In the later years, he worked for Neighborhood Revitalization in the river district of Des Moines, remodeling and restoring the older homes to their former glory.   He enjoyed wood working, fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was also actively involved in mentoring young people through guidance and friendship often teaching his craft and employing many of them.  Harold is survived by his wife, Norma Lea Downs; daughter, Patricia (Tim) Dolezal, Son David (Karman) Downs, daughter Diane (Jeff) Plunkett, daughter Sherry Roseburrough. Grandchildren April (Wes) Myers, Lyndsey (Nick) Jansen, Taryn Plunkett, James (Sarah) Downs, Chenia (Nick) Harriman, Ryan Gooding, Amber Yanqui, BreAnna Dolezal, and Logan Dolezal. Great-grandchildren Jett, Jovi, Emeline, Laurel, Aubryanna, Tayviun, Sahara, Frederick, Isabell, Nichole, Norma, Vinci, Avery, and one brother Donald Downs. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 at Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday July 7, 2018. Bobby Shomo will be officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 until the service at Mitchell Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral at Benson Cemetery, Whitten, Iowa after services. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Mitchell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Downs' Family. The family wishes to thank The Drs. at Veterans Hospital in Des Moines and the staff at Iowa River Hospice along with the volunteers.