In Loving Memory of

Kenneth R. Downs

Kenneth Robert Downs, age 76, of Bernalillo, New Mexico, enthusiastically passed from this life into Paradise, to meet his Lord and Savior, on Sunday morning, August 25,2024 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his parents, and his brother, Allen.

Ken was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Robert and Veta Downs on March 8, 1948. He grew up and spent his school years in Cahokia, Illinois.

He married Shirley Collins on November 22, 1969, and they were married 44 years, until her death in 2014. Ken graduated from Southern Illinois University with a BS in Philosophy in 1970. He worked as a banker for over twenty years. After he became a Christian, he and Shirley were involved in teaching and in the various ministries in the congregations they attended. They have three children, Travis (Kari), Stacey Daniels (Isaac), and David. Ken and Shirley had three grandchildren, Myrucj Thomas, Alexa Jacoby, and Tristan Downs. He is also survived by his brothers, Craig Downs (Candice) and Carl Downs. Ken also leaves two nephews, Clinton Downs (Regina) and Cory Downs (Cristal); and a niece, Dana Mcmichael (Gary), along with their families; and his sister-in-law, Brenda Downs, and several cousins.

In 1991, Ken decided to go into full time ministry, and moved his family to Memphis, TN, where he attended Harding Graduate School of Religion, to work on his Masters of Divinity, and began full-time service to the Lord, preaching His Word, for congregations in Bellington, West Virginia; Tunica, Mississippi; Matoon, Illinois; and Henderson, Nevada, for over twenty years.

Ken married Karin Tarter on July 22, 2016. They became involved in the congregation at Northeast church of Christ in Albuquerque, NM, where he taught and preached as he was called on, and always greeted everyone with a smile and a dad joke. He was a great preacher of the Lord's Word, and much loved by his church family. Ken is survived by his wife, Karin Tarter Downs. Ken's "adopted" family who survive him are his stepsons, Chris Fangio (Melissa), Timothy Fangio (Amanda) and Jeremy Tarter (Angela). He loved Karin's grandchildren as his own, Anthony Fangio (Alexandria), Kaylin Fangio, Kendra Fangio, Tyler Fangio, Jaycee Tarter, Presley Fangio and Cash Fangio. His "adopted" great-grandson, Asiah, gave "Grandpa" much joy and laughter. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Dennie York (Rick Shumard).

A memorial service and celebration of Ken's life will be held at 10:30 am, on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Northeast Church of Christ, 11000 Paseo Del Norte NE, Albuquerque, NM.

Ken's family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK for the care, prayers, comfort and love showed him during his illness. It was a long journey, but you all were steadfast in your faith, and experts in the care you gave him. In addition, thanks to the doctors and staff at Rust Hospital, Rio Rancho, NM, for your quick action and care on his behalf. Our gratitude knows no bounds for the care, support, encouragement and especially the prayers of the Northeast congregation of Karin and Ken during his hospitalization, and the love and support our extended family and friends. God bless you all.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ken Downs' Future Preachers Fund. Make checks payable to Northeast Church of Christ, marked Future Preachers. If you are mailing a donation, please send to NECC, P.O. Box 94867, Albuquerque, NM 87199