Harry Downes

On August 2, 2016, God called one of his beloved sons, Harry W. Downes, Sr., home. Harry was born on October 23, 1930 in Dover, Delaware to Daniel and Elsie Downes (deceased). He graduated from Booker T. Washington and attended Delaware State College. After attending Delaware State College, he served in the Unites States Army. After the leaving the military, he married his best friend and love of his life, Florence M. Cooper on March 17, 1961. During this blessed union three children were born; Debora, Cheryl, and Harry, Jr. Harry retired after 31 years of committed service to the City of Dover as the Director of Central Services. He was the first African American to hold a director’s position in the City. In his honor, a building plate is embossed and proudly displayed at the City of Dover Warehouse. In addition, he was a humble Christian, dedicated professional, devoted father, husband, grandfather, and great grandfather. His success in life was exemplified by his many works. For over 40 years he served as a member of the Bethuel Seventh-Day Adventist Church as Head Deacon, Sabbath School Teacher, Sabbath School Song Leader, Head Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and a member of the Church Board. He is preceded in death by his father, Daniel Downes; mother, Elsie Downes; three brothers, Albert Downes, James Downes, and Lester Downes, and one sister, Ida Fisher, all of Delaware; father-in-law, Homer Cooper, Sr., mother-in-law, Madeline Cooper; and brothers-in-law, Homer Cooper, Jr., and Benjamin Cooper all of Delaware. Harry leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of fifty-five years, Florence M. Downes; two daughters, Debora D. Downes-Costen (Thomas Costen), New York; Cheryl B. Welch, Florida; and one son, Harry W. Downes, Jr. (Jean Downes), Delaware. He also leaves to cherish in his memory, one sister, Bernice Pitts (Thomas Pitts), North Carolina; in-laws, Bernice Murray (Dennis Murray), Christine Potts (Samuel Potts), James Cooper (Mary Cooper), Ray Cooper (Annette Cooper), Howard Cooper (Sharon Cooper), Dennis Cooper, Geneva Goldsboro (Reginald Goldsboro), all of Delaware; five grandchildren, Chemica Wyche, Christopher Downes, Destiny Welch, Christopher Costen, and Kellie Ford; one great grandchild, Anice Wyche; three special friends, Wendell Schenck, William Willis, Monroe Freeman; two adopted daughters, Patricia Collins and Tanesha Donaldson, and a host of relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry Downes, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Harry Downes

October 23, 1930 - August 2, 2016