Robert "Bob" Downs

It is with both heavy hearts and joyful memories that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Charles Downs, who left this world on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the age of 87. Born at home in Steam Corner, Indiana, on December 1, 1937, Bob was the beloved son of Marvin and Marjorie (Ziegler) Downs and a cherished husband to his wife, Patty (Peyton) Downs.

Bob's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with laughter, love, and a zest for life. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1955, impressing everyone not just with his academic achievement but also as a star basketball player. After a successful career as a car salesman at Pittman's in Hillsboro and Herman Davis in Crawfordsville, Bob found his true calling as the owner and manager of Sugar Mill Lake and Campground, where he created countless memories with campers and shared his passion for the outdoors. A proud member of the Wallace Masonic Lodge #0495, Bob dedicated an impressive 59 years to the Masonic fraternity, embodying the values of brotherhood, charity, and integrity.

An avid IU basketball fan, Bob poured his heart into coaching girls' basketball at Fountain Central High School and leading Little League baseball teams, while always encouraging young players to strive for greatness. His adventurous spirit took him water skiing, snowmobiling, and 4-wheeling, always in search of his next thrill. He was a lover of fast cars, Nascar, mushroom hunting, and tended to his garden with dedication. Bob embodied the saying, "Work hard, play hard," and his energy was infectious.

He is survived by his wife, Patty (Peyton) Downs; three sons, Larry (Brenda) Downs, Jay (Ginger) Downs, and Kenny (Tammy) Downs; two daughters, Cindy Thomas and Carolyn (Jeremiah) Wheeler; 17 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; one brother, Denny (Brenda) Downs; brother-in-law, Dave VanDorn; sister-in-law, Jeri Lee Downs; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by two previous wive's, Joy (Ellis) Downs and Cheryl (Halliwell) Downs; a son, Dale Downs; three brothers, Bill, Jack, Tommy Downs; and a sister, Bev VanDorn.

Visitation will be at Sanders Funeral Care, 203 S 1st Street, in Kingman on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 12:00pm until the time of the funeral service at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Wolf Creek Cemetery. Share memories and condolences online at www.SandersFuneralCare.com.