Ron Downs, age 66, passed away Thursday, October 14, 2010 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas
Funeral services were held at the First United Methodist Church in Bells on Monday, October 18 at 10 a.m.  
Ronald Eugene Downs was born February 29, 1944 in Sherman to Mattie Geneva Spangler and Shelley Thomas Downs.  He attended Sherman schools and graduated from Sherman High School in 1962.  He enlisted in the Navy Reserve in 1961 and then enlisted in the United States Air Force.  During his years of service to his country, he traveled to all parts of the world and liked to say that he had been around the world more than once.  His Air Force career began at Perrin Field AFB, Texas.  He served at RAF Station Wetherefield, England; Bunker Hill AFB, Indiana; Langley AFB, Virginia; Clark AB, Philippines; Norton AFB, California; Scott AFB, Illinois.  He retired from Altus Oklahoma AFB in 1985 after 23 years of services as Chief Master Sergeant.  He received many medals and ribbons during his service, including the Vietnam Medal and 7 Air Medals.  Ron then went to work instructing pilots at American Airlines in 1988, and retired in 2006.
Ron married Deborah Carter on June 24, 1989 at Antioch Baptist Church in Bells, Texas.  He loved his family, was an exceptional father and grandfather, and is known to his beloved grandchildren as "Pops".  Ron was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved fellowship with his buddies.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years; daughters, Sherri Knobbe and husband, Chris; Rhonda Russell and husband, Wes; and Belenda Frallicks and husband, Brent; sons, Lance Carter and wife, Billie; and Lonnie Carter and wife, Shannon; his grandchildren, Brandi Stogsdill and husband, Josh; Carter and Hogan Knobbe, and Jonathan Collins; and great-granddaughter, Emma Stogsdill.  Ron will be remembered by his brother Charlie Downs and wife, Barbara; nephews Charles "Moose" Downs and wife, Lisa; and Jimmy Prescott and wife, Lisa; his mother-in-law, Mary Beth Fleming; and sisters-in-law, Janice Buchanan and husband, Jan; and Cathey Meador.  Ron will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his beloved son, Ronald Eugene Downs II; his parents; brothers, Bill West and A.D. Gailey, and sister Judy Downs.
Pallbearers were Lance and Lonnie Carter, Moose Downs, Jimmy Prescott, Wes Russell, Chris Knobbe, Buggs Brown, and Kenny Washburn
Memorial contributions in Ron Down's name can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Bells or The American Cancer Society.  The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Alex Ehsan and the North Texas Cancer Center for their exceptional care and kindness.