George French Downs III

Mr. George F. Downs III George F. Downs III went home to be with his Lord in the early morning hours of July 5. He died at home with his family and friends caring for him. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday in the Grace Community Church. Cremation arrangements were by the Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory He was born in Odessa, Texas in 1938 and was brought to Bartlesville six months later by his parents. He graduated from College High and then moved on to Stanford University. After taking time out to serve in the US Army, he finished up at Stanford in 1962. While at school he met and married Sue Ann Olsen. They were married just over fifty-one years. His pride and joy were his three daughters—Susan Elizabeth Downs, Ann Margaret VanHemert, and Esther Lois Maples. He loved his grandchildren Edward Dixon, Ben and Jackie Dixon, Purity VanHemert, Peter VanHemert, Aaron VanHemert and Annabelle VanHemert. He thoroughly enjoyed his great grandson, Pheonix Dixon. His dearly treasured sisters are Anita Hughes, Nancy Hoover and he considered Lee Hoover a good friend. During his 22 years in the Republic of Panama, he had the pleasure of befriending and helping members of Wycliffe Bible Translators, New Tribes Missions and other mission groups. After 35 years of US Government service he retired to Bartlesville. His first Sunday home he joined Grace Community Church and played stand up bass with the worship team from then on. He enjoyed the fellowship and was thrilled to travel on mission trips with Grace Missions International. He will be remembered for his love affair with Volvos which started in 1966. He was known in US and international Volvo circles for his friendly and wise advice. He and his wife traveled to Goteborg, Sweden to see the Volvo home factory. Recently he was delighted to be a charter member of the Ozark Rollers, a new club in the Volvo Clubs of America. One of George’s unique distinctions is that he was president of both the Canal Zone Orchid Society and the Orchid Society of Panama. George was and is a much-loved Husband, Father, Grandpa and friend to many. We will miss him very much but we look forward to being together again in the arms of the Lord. PDF Printable Version

George French Downs III

November 13, 1938 - July 5, 2013