Obituary of Larry Downes

Larry Downes, age 74, of rural Oxford died at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, September 30, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Cosgrove with burial to follow at the Cosgrove cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday at the church where a rosary will be recited at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to Cosgrove Hustlers 4-H club or Essence of Life Hospice. To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com. Larry was born June 1,1948 in Iowa City the son of Jack and Gerri Downes. He attended Cosgrove grade school and graduated from Regina High School in 1966. On June 18, 1976, he married Emma Lou Wegmuller at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford. Larry was a farmer his whole life. He started in Cosgrove, ventured to Afton and then returned to Blairstown. He farmed crops as well as raised many exotic animals. Along with his wife, he founded L&L Simmentals and Show Supplies. Upon retirement, he migrated to Texas. He was a member and strong supporter of the Cosgrove Hustlers 4-H club and the Johnson County Cattlemen’s Association. His family includes his wife, Emma Lou; their children who Larry cherished being Dad to: Mike Downes (Mary Kay), Julie Lang, Genette Campbell (Mark), and Dana Huffman (Rowdy); grandchildren who affectionately called him Papa: Cassie Redmond (Demetrius), Evan Downes, David Fox, Coen Huffman and Shelly Gardner (Joe); Great-PaPa to Arden, Elizabeth and Mia; Larry’s siblings, Sandy Benda (John), Dan Downes (JoAnne), Mike Downes (BJ), Dick Downes (Kim), Denise Nitcher (Travis), and Jackie Dykstra (Rob). Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Pat Downes.