Gregory Downs

Gregory Sayers Downs
Des Moines, Iowa

Gregory Sayers Downs, 87, passed away on March 31, 2025 in Des Moines. He was born on October 3, 1937 in Cambria, Wayne County to Roy and Ruth (Sayers) Downs. Greg was raised by his sister, Marie and her husband, Wayne Exley at the age of 10 after his parents passed away.

Greg graduated from Weldon High School in 1958. He then moved to Des Moines. On December 20, 1959 he married Loretta Davenport. He worked at Army Surplus in Des Moines, until he started working for the Des Moines Public School District. He held several different positions throughout his 38-year employment. Greg also worked for many years as a handyman for a friend’s apartment complex. During these years he was an active member of the National Association of Power Engineers, serving as president of the local chapter.

After retiring he became an active member of his church, Union Park United Methodist Church. He also volunteered at Bidwell where he used his handyman skills. He was an avid woodworker, making many cherished gifts for his children and grandchildren.

Greg is survived by his daughters, Theresa (John) Skalla and Beth (Charles) Lovell; sister-in-law, Mary Davenport; grandchildren, Andrew (Kristen) Downs, Christopher Skalla, Ricardo (Hannah) Ramirez, Jr., Patrick Skalla, Trelawney (Phil) Carman, Jacob Lovell, Vickira Lovell, Jennaki Lovell and Cherese Lovell; great grandchildren, Brayton, Bennett, Boston, Dustin, Barrett, Clara, Lillian, Ella, Susie, Emma, Rohen and Broly, along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Loretta Downs; parents, Roy and Ruth Downs; sister, Marie Exley; brothers-in-law, Wayne Exley and Bill Davenport; nephew, Richard Exley and great grandson, Jacob Brown.

Family will greet guests on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., at Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., at the church. Greg will be laid to rest at a later date at the Kirby Cemetery in Cambria, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50316.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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