Bobby Leroy Downs

Funeral services for Bobby Leroy Downs, 81, of Sperry, were held Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Community of Christ Church in Sperry, OK. Elder Charles Rowden and Elder Roy Gaddy officiated and burial was in Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry, OK. Casket bearers were Louie Vann Drake, Rick Clark, Phillip Fack, and Charles Thompson. Honorary casket bearer was John Downs

Bobby was born January 20, 1934 in Sperry, OK to John D. and Weeta V. (Stroud) Downs. He passed away September 17, 2015 in Collinsville, OK.

Bobby served 5 ½ years in the 45th division of the Oklahoma National Guard prior to active duty with the United States Army where he spent 20 ½ years, totaling 26 years of service in the military. He retired from the military June 1, 1976. During Bobby’s service, he served in many states, including AR, NJ, UT, FL, CO, GA, AK, and Canada. He also served two tours in Greenland, the Republic of Panama, and Vietnam. During his service, he received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam campaign medal with five campaign stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Presidential Unit Citation, as well as several other medals, commendations, and expert qualification badges. Bobby’s final duty station was at Fort Sill, OK. He was employed for 3 ½ years as a Deputy Sheriff for Cochise County, AZ before moving back to Sperry. Bobby enjoyed going fishing and riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his children, Shannan Pearson-Greive of Firestone, CO, Aaron Downs of Owasso, Cheryl Whiffen, and Tammy Flieger; 8 grandchildren; brother, John Downs of Aiken, SC; sister-in-law, Carol Downs of Owasso; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Weeta Downs; sisters, Kathryn Gaynor, and Sharon Trout; and brother, Tommy Downs.