John Downer

John Franklin Downer, 85, of Oakland died on Monday, June 20, 2016 at the Western Maryland Health System. Born on July 30, 1930 in Monongahela, PA, John is the son of the late Eliphalet K. and Mary Elizabeth (Forsythe) Downer. John was a graduate of Linsly Military Institute in Wheeling, WV and Ohio University in Athens, OH where he earned a Master's in Business Administration. John worked at General Motors where he served as a transportation manager until his retirement. Most recently, he was employed by Garrett County Community Action where he drove the head start bus. John proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of the American Legion Post #71 and the Oakland Elks Lodge #2481. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his dogs, Mollie, Zoey and Cassuis. John is survived by his wife, Joell Downer; his children, Lisa Thomas and husband Steve, John Kern Downer and wife Linda, Beth Hickman and husband Guy, all of Hamilton, OH; grandchildren, Nicole, Ben, Tori and Nathan Thomas, Chelsea and Alec Hickman, Holly and Grant Downer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two siblings, Sam Downer and Betsy Gergoff. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the American Legion Post #71 in Oakland with a time of remembrance to follow until 3:00 PM. Arrangements have been entrusted to the C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., Oakland. Memorial contributions made be in John's name to Hart for Animals, Inc. P.O. Box 623 McHenry, MD 21541-0623 or to the Garrett County Animal Shelter 152 Oakland Sang Run Road, Oakland, MD 21550. Condolences for the family may be left at www.csfredlockfh.com.Charitable donations may be made to:

Hart for Animals

24457 Garrett Highway, McHenry MD 21541

Garrett County Animal Shelter

152 Oakland Sang Run Road, Oakland MD 21550

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