George K. Downs

Derby – Downs, George K. “Pete”, age 84, owner of Big Western Automotive Warehouse, passed away July 14th at his home. Visitation 1-8pm Tuesday, July 17, with family present 6-8pm; funeral service 10am Wednesday, July 18, both at Smith Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby. He was born December 13th, 1927 in Grenola, KS and lived in Cedarvale, KS for 23 years. After serving in the US Army he married Dolores Hoffman and they resided in the Derby area. His most pleasurable activities were bowling, playing cards and fishing. Pete was preceded in death by his parents Isa and Ed Downs; sister, Faye Lawless; brothers Edward and Donald; one great-granddaughter. Survivors include: wife of 62 years, Dolores Downs; children, Shirley (Steve) Beal of Bonner Springs, KS, Sharon (Jerry) Powell of Andover, KS, Robert (Kathy) Downs of Derby, KS, Mary (Ron) Kiper of Mulvane, KS and Connie (Kurt) Byars of Rose Hill, KS; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market Wichita, KS 67202.