Stephen Robert Downs
PRIVATE Memorial Service: Thursday, December 10, 2020
Stephen Robert Downs age 61 went home to Jesus on Saturday, December 5, 2020.
On December 9, 1958 Stephen was born in Hillsdale, Michigan to the late Robert and Marjorie (Purdy) Downs.
Steve was previously married to Elizabeth (Frisbie) Barrington of Colon, and had four children.
On June 20, 1992 Steve married Diane Mallen of Colon, Michigan.
Steve Downs was a lifelong member of the Colon Community, part of the graduating class of 1977. He was a past member of the school board, was the Voice of the Magi for many years, helped to found the t-ball program, and many other contributions. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and creating many cherished memories. Whether he was road tripping to sporting events, helping with projects around their homes, or baking thousands of Christmas cookies, he was always quick to spend time with family, and share joke. Many knew of his love of the St. Louis Cardinals and quoting movies.
Steve is survived today by his loving wife of 28 years, Diane of Colon, Michigan, Children: Michael (Jamie) Downs of Three Rivers, Andrew Downs of Colon, Christopher Downs (Kayla Robbins) of Laramie, WY, Rebecca (Ryan) Peterson, Kitty Hawk, NC. Stepchildren: Bryan Mallen of Colon, Robyn (Michael) Wigdzinski of Geneva, IL, and Brittany (Andrew) Fuller of Geneva, IL. 22 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren with one on the way. Siblings: Jim (Cheri) Downs of Farmington Hills, Bruce (Joyce) Downs, South Bend, IN., Cathy (Rex) Wattles of Bronson, Gail (Brad) Hartman of Colon. Many nieces, nephews, and countless others who have become loved members of our family over the years.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents.
Following Stephen’s wishes a cremation will be taking place. The family will be holding a private memorial service on Thursday, December 10 at 1pm at the Sturgeon Lake Pavilion. Due to the current pandemic, we will offer a Facebook live viewing of the services for the public to join us. Interment will take place at a later date when the public can attend.
Facebook live details: Stephen R. Downs Memorial | Facebook
In lieu of flowers the family asks memorial donations be made to the animal rescue fund of your choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at Schipperfuneralhome.com.
December 8, 2020 @ 3:58 pm
We will always remember the smiles, laughter and songs that Steve so readily shared. Our hearts are with you Diane and kids. We will hear his voice singing the Shepherd’s Prayer, telling us, “move me closer to the child”, until we see him again one day. Thanks for the memories Steve. We will miss you.
December 8, 2020 @ 6:06 pm
Sending love and peace to your family!
December 8, 2020 @ 6:37 pm
My deepest condolences for each of you!
Such a great loss!!
May God bring you peace, comfort and love, Now and in the time ahead
Rest in Heaven Stephen
You will forever be loved and cherished.
Love, Britina Edgell
December 8, 2020 @ 7:13 pm
Praying and thinking of you all. Steve was a wonderful person and will be missed. He was so blessed to have such wonderful children. We are so proud of them all, and blessed to have them in our family. Peace and healing to you all. Love Chuck and Kathleen ❤️
December 8, 2020 @ 8:04 pm
Steve and I kept in touch via FB and shared some good laughs and ideas. He stopped by when he was in the U.P. last winter for the big Magi playoff and visited a couple of hours. He said he would bring his wife up for a visit. Steve worked with my mother, Esther First, at Hardings MANY years ago and she truly thought a lot of “that nice young man”. Many people thought a lot of that nice young man….and will for years to come. Prayers for healing for the family.
December 8, 2020 @ 8:22 pm
Our prayers and love to the family. We were sadden to hear the news of Steve’s passing. God’s blessings for peace and strength at this sad time. 💞Kenny and Penny Barrington
December 8, 2020 @ 8:57 pm
Dear Diane and family,
Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Steve was a wonderful, kind, giving man and will be greatly missed.
Steve is now resting peacefully in the loving arms of our Precious Lord.
In God’s Love,
Pat & Jerry Loudenslager
December 9, 2020 @ 9:43 am
My thoughts&Prayers are with you all.Love Donna &Rod
December 9, 2020 @ 3:39 pm
We are so sorry for you and your family.Bruce worked with Steve and thought the world of him. He always was there for Bruce.He will be so missed we are so very sorry.
December 9, 2020 @ 3:52 pm
Sorry to hear this. Our condolences to your families.
December 27, 2020 @ 7:29 pm
Thank you for condolences. I think often of our Olivet years. I trust you and your family are safe and well. Jim
December 10, 2020 @ 10:01 am
Love and hugs to you and the family, will miss hearing him sing, his hugs when we would meet.. He was a kind man with lots of talents. Know we are here for you and wish we could hug in person.
December 10, 2020 @ 11:18 am
So sorry to hear this news. We were neighbors to the Downs family in Olivet, MI. What a great guy Steve was. Thoughts and prayers to the family!
December 12, 2020 @ 9:24 pm
The whole family is in our thoughts and prayers. I remember meeting Steve when my family first moved to Colon in the early 90’s. He was a great guy and I have tons of great memories of visiting his kids (my friends) at his house throughout middle school and high school. He was always someone that I looked up to. Our condolences go out to all of his family and friends. -The Haacks (Matt, Jocelyn, Audrey, and James)