Robert G. Downs, Sr., 86, of Superior, Wis., died Tues., July 9, 2013 in his residence.

He was born Mar. 14, 1927 in Antigo, Wis. and moved to Superior as a small child.

He was educated at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and graduated from the University of Minnesota's School of Mortuary Science.

He served his country in the U. S. Navy during WWII and then was recalled to serve during the Korean Conflict.

Following his education and military service he became the third generation funeral director in the Downs family to serve the people of Superior and the surrounding area in funeral service at Downs Funeral Home. In 1966 following the death of his father he became president of the corporation.

He was very active in his community. Some of his memberships included the former Hammond Avenue Presbyterian Church, now the United Presbyterian Church in which he had served on various boards and committees; he was very active in the Superior Jaycee's and held offices in the state and national levels; the American Legion Post No. 435; the B. P. O. E. Lodge No. 403; the United Commercial Travelers; Ace Investment; the Duluth Syndicate; the Superior Lodge No. 236 F&AM in which he was a Past Master; the AAD Temple of the Shrine and he served as Potentate in 1976; he was a Past Director of the Jesters Court No. 505; he was a Past President of the Superior Blue Line Club; and he was a former board member of both the Superior Water Light & Power Co. and the M& I First National Bank.

He loved the time spent at the family's lake home on Bond Lake in Wascott where he fished and hunted in his younger years. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling.

Robert and the former Joyce Elaine Gaynor were married on March 28, 1953 in the Hammond Avenue Presbyterian Church. She passed away on Sept. 9, 2002. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Martha (Hollis) and William M. Downs, Sr.; three brothers, John "Jack" Hollis Downs, Sr., Ronald James Downs and William Downs, Jr.; and his grandson-in-law, Wayne Luoma.

Bob is survived by his three children, Robert G. "Rob" (Cindy) Downs, Jr. of Superior, Michelle Lynn "Shelly" (Kenn Featherly) Downs of Minong, Wis. and Rodray (Toni Reed) Downs of Superior; six grandchildren, Cami (Ben) Melland of Eau Claire, Wis., Robert "Robbie" (Melissa) Downs III and Thomas "Tom" (Anna) Downs both of Superior, Sammie Jo and Megan Waisanen of Minong and Ayden Downs of St. Paul, Minn.; three great-grandchildren, Anna, Thomas Jr. "Jed" and John "Johnny" Downs all of Superior; a brother, Thomas "Tom" J. Downs of Wascott, Wis. and Lady Lake, Fla.; a half-brother, Clayton (Pam) Lynde of Cudahy, Wis.; a special friend, Dona Finckler of Sebring, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Rod Downs, Greg Downs, Rob Downs III, Tom Downs, Rod Campbell, Bill Ellison, John Haugland and Bud Grant.

If desired, memorials in Bob's name may be made to the United Presbyterian Church, the Douglas County Humane Society or the Superior Amateur Hockey Assoc.

Visitation will from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Fri., July 12th in the Downs Funeral Home, corner of Ogden Ave. & 19th St. Masonic Funeral Services will be accorded by officers and members of Superior Lodge #236 F&AM and Acacia-Itasca Lodge #329 F&AM at 6:30 p.m. His funeral service will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the United Presbyterian Church with Rev. Joel Huenemann officiating. Committal prayers will be at Greenwood Cemetery followed by Military Honors accorded by the American Legion Richard I. Bong Post No. 435.