Obituary of Daniel Downes

Churchville: Daniel J. Downes, son of Leo & Grace (Walsh) Downes, passed away peacefully at home at 7 PM, January 20, 2015 at age 92. Survived by his wife of 68 years, Jane Downes; five children, Eileen (Steve) Ely, Daniel R. Downes, Bonnie (Paul) Gray, John Downes, Margie (John) Olson; grandchildren, Denise & Daniel Downes, Manfred Gedeik, Nate Stockmaster. Predeceased by his sister, Grace Mitchell; brother, Gerard Downes. Daniel served in the US Army during WWII in the Pacific Rim. He was a purple heart recipient. He also retired from Sears Roebuck Co. as a T.V. Technician. He was a wonderful husband and father and will be dearly missed. Visitation is Thursday 6-8 PM at the funeral home, 21 South Main Street, Churchville. Daniel's funeral service will be celebrated Friday at 11 AM at St. Vincent De Paul Church, 11 North Main Street, Churchville, NY 14428. Interment St. John's Cemetery. Daniel was born on September 22, 1922. As a boy, he had it tough growing up on a farm in a family where his father passed away when he was just 6 months old. He was then often raised by his uncles and aunts. Daniel was a WWII vet, receiving a Purple Heart. He also worked for Sears & Roebuck as a TV service man for many years. He worked long hours and always tried to make people happy with his service. He'd come home with a story or two about the people he helped. "Sears-y-baby", some called him! Daniel was a big influence on his daughter Margie's decision to become a Chiropractor to help people heal naturally. He often told her that if he could do it over again, that's what he would have done. She always felt honored that she, perhaps, had his career of choice!    He was always the parent that was the "softie". Daniel was more into seeing you laugh or learn something then reprimanding and disciplining. Since he was 44 years old when his daughter Margie was born, perhaps he was all "disciplined out"! Every Saturday night, Daniel and his wife would enjoy "Date Night" and go out for dinner and dancing. He would always grumble about the dancing part but deep down, he liked it … and they were really good! They would occasionally take Margie and it made her feel so special! That was such a treat! And it saved her from being babysat by big brother John! (He was actually a good babysitter, but hated it when he made her go to bed!) Daniel tried to teach Margie how to dance by her holding on to him and standing on his feet so she could experience the steps and moving to the music. Vacations were always spent camping. They'd pitch a small tent and the whole family would enjoy being outside, sleeping in nature. Holidays were always festive! Their home was all about family getting together and celebrating with food, fun and good times. The greatest day of Daniel's life was when he retired from Sears. That's when he could have a change of pace and travel a bit. Daniel always wanted to teach his children things. He was an avid learner himself, always reading encyclopedias. One of the things Margie loved as a child was when Daniel would take her on the "bicycle built for two" and they'd ride down the road or around the block. She fondly recalls going on walks with him and feeling that she got to really connect with him on these walks because they would talk about everything. In his spare time, Daniel liked to watch the news and 60 Minutes. Shows that made him laugh were usually silly like Benny Hill. He enjoyed shows about history as well. He also really liked to read that Encyclopedia Britannica! National Geographic was his favorite magazine and he had tons of them! His family would best describe Daniel as a "kidder". He'd tell them about his adventures as a boy on the farm, or when he was away at war. He enjoyed when his kids were gullible, like when he told them to watch out for "snow snakes"! Daniel would often make himself laugh so hard, he'd make himself cry! Then everyone would laugh themselves silly because he couldn't stop laughing! Laughter is the best medicine and Daniel made sure that everyone got a good laugh. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.