Wendel Downs

Wendel Eugene Downs was born February 15, 1949, in Arlington, Washington. His parents were Lindell and Edna (Conklin) Downs. Growing up as a rascally whippersnapper in the 50s & 60s as the youngest of 8, he and his siblings had lots of wild adventures, such as shootin’ at bears and playing with dynamite, which he remembered in remarkable detail. He became a master storyteller of these tales and was well-known for finding life lessons through everything he had lived through. Wendel means “Wanderer,” and he lived up to his name by moving often and living in many places, including not only Washington State, but also Missouri, Nebraska, and Arizona. He married the love of his life, Ruth, in 1983, after winning her heart on the dance floor at a single parents dating event. Wendel and Ruth combined their families, raising 5 kids together. They lived a beautiful, happy life together, adoring and cherishing each other, faithfully serving the Lord together, and loving their family. They were married for 43 years and finally settled near the old homeplace of his parents in Mansfield, Missouri, where they could be close to many of their close family and friends.

Wendel was a jack of many trades, from milking cows and logging to youth counseling, being a corrections officer, and more. He also served in the Army and eventually retired as a legally blind disabled veteran. In his retirement, he volunteered as a deputy sheriff in Show Low, Arizona.

One of Wendel’s proudest accomplishments was his bachelor’s degree in theology that he earned at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was a devoted Sabbath-keeper, loved to study the Scriptures, and had a strong faith that carried him through ‘til the end.

Wendel was a musician and enjoyed playing hymns on the organ, as well as playing the guitar and singing country and gospel music, especially with his wife, Ruth. Jam sessions with friends and family were a favorite pastime. He was also a great fisherman with the stories to match. He enjoyed learning about and practicing naturopathic remedies. His home was known for being a fully stocked pharmacy of supplements. He spent years researching his family’s genealogy and learned everything he could about his family tree and history. Wendel enjoyed coming up with lots of little projects around his home and yard, oftentimes hiring others to help him out while he would direct and watch them work. He always was the first to own the latest technology. He loved to tease, tell jokes, laugh, and do card tricks that would amaze his audience. Table games were a favorite of his, and he was always so tickled when his family would join him for Scrabble, Balderdash, Ten & Back, Rummy, and more. And he always appreciated Ruth’s good cooking, as he had a hearty appetite and was known for his love of buttermilk with Cheez-Its, peach cobbler, German chocolate cake, and ice cream.

Wendel never met a stranger and, with his jovial spirit, was always the first to welcome neighbors and newcomers, easily turning them from strangers to friends. He and his wife, Ruth, loved to host dinners for visitors, friends, and family alike and would spend hours fellowshipping together with them in easy conversation. Wendel was a beloved Daddy and Papa. He loved all children and babies and was very tender-hearted. He was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for whom he lived his life, making it his priority to attend their birthday parties & other special events. He especially enjoyed sitting and napping in his recliner, giving snuggles and candy to his grandbabies, and making up silly stories when he “read” them books, such as teasing that “cats are bad.” He had a giant heart and was always there for his family, helping them in whatever way he could and catching them when life got hard. His love for his family is what he wanted to be remembered for more than anything. His last words were “I love you, I love you, I love you.”Wendel spent the last year of his life fighting metastasized prostate cancer that had spread to his bones and brain. He passed away while sleeping in his home on November 9, 2026, and his final resting place will be New Hope Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his infant son, Eric Cordell Downs; his brothers, Doyle (Marge) Downs & Jerry Dale Downs; and his sisters, Delma Downs & Evelyn Bolyard.

His immediate surviving family members are: His wife, Ruth Edra Downs. His children, Keith (Danniel) Downs, Matthew Downs, Melanie Pierce, Chris (Teri) Bacon, Monica (Brian) Dunne, and bonus daughter, Ana Mari G. His grandchildren: Coy, Seth, & Wyatt Downs; Nathan, Isaiah (Kayley), Elijah (Robin), Ezekiel, Essence, & Aura Pierce; Kayleen (Joseph) Bacon & Elaina Battstone; Dublin (Natalie) Dunne, Emerald (Lamardo) Christopher, & Ciaran Dunne. His great-grandchildren: Lily & Luna Pierce; Juniper, Sequoia, & Baby Pierce; Benjamin Howe; Lycan, Illyue, & Akoto Christopher. His sister-in-law, Sylvia Downs; His siblings, Darvin (Cherie) Downs, Melba (Lee) White, Willie (Charlotte) Downs, Ivan (Gwen) Downs; His brother-in-law, Gerry Bolyard. Plus a host of nieces and nephews.