Donald A. Downes Sr., 87

BRISTOL — Donald A. Downes Sr., 87, died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, after a brief illness. He was born in Hartland, Vermont, the son of Philip and Daisy (Sawyer) Downes.

His youth was spent in Hartland, Vermont. As a young adult, he lived in Franklin and later moved to Meredith Center. He worked for Carpenter and Patterson and Rochester Shoe Tree before moving to Delaware where he worked for the University of Delaware. After retiring, he spent time in Virginia and Tennessee before returning to New Hampshire last year.

Family was everything to Donald. He was married to Ida Downes for 54 years and mourned her passing in 2017. Since returning to New Hampshire, he has enjoyed watching his grandsons’ sports games and he will always be remembered as the Checkers Champion, never having lost a game.

Donald was a member of the Entercity Outreach Ministry and served as a Deacon of the church.

He was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed deep sea fishing. He enjoyed watching the New York Yankees and Giants play baseball and football.  

He leaves a daughter, Linda Zouini of Bristol, and a son, Donald Downes Jr. and wife Melanie of Bristol; grandchildren Connor and Ryder Downes, Daniel Divers, and Angelique Batchelder; great-grandchildren Spring, Ricky, and Liliana Batchelder; and a brother, Chester, and his wife Ann Downes. He also will be greatly missed by his two cats Missy and Tommy.

He was also predeceased by a son, Clinton Downes, and grandson Gene Batchelder.

A celebration of life will be held on Nov. 17, 2018, for both Donald and Ida. Further details to be finalized later. Arrangements are under the direction of Emmons Funeral Home of Bristol.