Douglas Dean Downs' Obituary
Douglas Dean Downs, born June 28, 1959, in Chariton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at the age of 66, in his home in Allerton, Iowa after a courageous battle with Bulbar ALS. He was born to William and Evelyn Downs and was the youngest of four children (Billy, Vicki, Jan). He lived a life defined by hard work, faith, humor, and unwavering love for his family. Doug believed wealth wasn't measured by money, but by the memories you leave behind. By that measure, he leaves a fortune.
Doug's grit showed up early. By age seven, he was mowing yards and shoveling snow from neighbors' driveways. At age 14, he worked at Bob White State Park for 75 cents an hour, earning a raise to $1.10 per hour his second year. As a teenager, he unloaded semi-trailers at the milk plant and sided houses for James Downs. After graduation, Doug founded DDD Construction and successfully ran his own business for over 43 years, driving 3 hours every day so that his family could live in Allerton. He ran his business through hard work, honesty, pranks, humor, treating people right while making many lifelong friends along the way.
Doug's humor followed him through everything. Even when communication became difficult, he still made people laugh-with a perfectly timed middle finger, an eyebrow raised, a nod, a single carefully written word, and that dreadful "look" that every kid fears-reminding everyone that Doug was still very much Doug. He firmly believed that farting was proof God has a sense of humor.
Doug believed God was everywhere, especially outdoors, and talked to Him often while hunting or fishing. He believed miracles happened daily if you were willing to see them. Later in life, he kept a promise to God and was baptized at Bob White State Park.
On March 24, 1983, Doug truly found a partner for life, June Downs. They worked hard and you always could find them together. They enjoyed hunting, fishing, scuba diving, camping, biking, dancing, and traveling with family. He never missed a chance to beat her at shuffleboard. Doug never stopped finding ways to show June how much he loved and appreciated her. Throughout their marriage Doug's positive outlook on life and humor made their marriage one of a kind.
In their 43 years of marriage, Doug and June were proud parents to Leanne Kay Dixson (Michael), Bobbie Sue Roe (Andy), and William Douglas Downs (Nilani). Doug showed his children love through action by teaching them honesty, hard work, and standing up for what's right. On a few occasions he's been known to take his kids for "The Walk." He enjoyed coaching their teams, taking them on unique vacations, and being a trusted ear for his kids and others in the community.
He was a cherished grandpa to Chase, Shailey, Bella, Elsie, Landen, Ellie, Bensen, Dakota, Estella, and Esme. He was known for his teasing, unforgettable nicknames, noogies, wedgies, wet willies and always having candy in his pocket after games. Grandpa showed them how to have fun and reminded them that even if they sucked at a game that he still loved them (most of the time).
Doug is preceded in death by his parents, William V. Downs and Evelyn (Duden) Downs; his father-in-law, Joseph William Buckingham; and other cherished brother and sister in-laws.
The measure of Doug's strength can be seen in the people who became better simply by knowing him. He will be deeply missed and always remembered by his friends and family.
Services for Doug can be livestreamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/douglas-downs-2026
Funeral Services for Doug will be held Friday, May 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Allerton Centennial Building in Allerton, Iowa with burial to immediately follow at the Allerton Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026 with Rosary to start at 5:00 PM with the family to greet from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Memorials in honor of Doug may be made to the family to be determined at a later date and mailed to Thomas Funeral Home Attn: Downs Family PO Box 294 Corydon, IA 50060. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com> or
What’s your fondest memory of Douglas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Douglas?
Share a story where Douglas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Douglas you’ll never forget.
How did Douglas make you smile?
