Lester Frank Downs

Male 1954 - 2021  (67 years)


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  • Name Lester Frank Downs 
    Nickname Rusty 
    Born 8 Oct 1954  Lafayette, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, USA Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died 10 Dec 2021  Mercer, Madison County, Tennessee, USA Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Buried 19 Dec 2021  New Ritchie Cemetery - Moss Bluff, Louisiana, USA Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I15138  Cody LeBlanc's Family Tree
    Last Modified 11 Jul 2025 

    Family R. Hebert 
    Children 
     1. S.L. Downs
     2. A.S. Downs
    +3. J.L. Downs
    +4. J.L. Downs
     5. D.T. Downs
    Last Modified 12 Jul 2025 
    Family ID F6650  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBorn - 8 Oct 1954 - Lafayette, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDied - 10 Dec 2021 - Mercer, Madison County, Tennessee, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBuried - 19 Dec 2021 - New Ritchie Cemetery - Moss Bluff, Louisiana, USA Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 
    Pin Legend  : Address       : Location       : City/Town       : County/Shire       : State/Province       : Country       : Not Set

  • Photos
    Lester Frank 'Rusty' Downs
    Lester Frank "Rusty" Downs
    Obituary picture
    Lester Frank 'Rusty' Downs
    Lester Frank "Rusty" Downs
    Obituary picture

  • Notes 
    • Obituary:

      Lester Frank Downs
      October 8, 1954 - December 10, 2021

      Lester Frank "Rusty" Downs, 67, died Friday, December 10, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He was born in Lafayette, LA the son of Josiah and Thelma Hart Downs. Lester was an Honors Graduate at McNeese State University at Lake Charles, LA and was retired from the FAA as an Electronic Specialist. He received the FAA "Above and Beyond" Award which is the highest award presented by the agency has and was for his efforts during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

      Mr. Downs was a Mason with Masonic Lodge #332 in Jackson, TN and was a veteran of Vietnam serving in the Air Force from 1972 to 1976. He was a member of Maple Springs Baptist Church helping in sound and audio for services. Lester loved fishing, genealogy, his New Orleans Saints, and cherished his two grandchildren.

      He is survived by his wife of 40 years Rita Hebert Downs of Mercer, TN, three sons, Samuel Downs of Denmark, TN, Andrew Downs of Denmark, TN, and Dexter Downs of Sulphur, LA, two daughters, Jessica (Eugene) Rook of Denmark, TN and Jennifer (Nathan) Roaten of Mercer, TN. Two grandchildren, Carly Ann Roaten and Maci Nicole Rook, and one sister, Doris Franklin of Lake Charles, LA.

      The family would like extend their heartfelt thanks and deepest regards in thanking Tennessee Quality Care Hospice as they were amazing with the care given to their "Daddy" and their needs throughout his illness!

      His visitation will be Sunday, December 19, from 2:30 until time of service, with the funeral starting at 3:30, at Heritage Funeral Home. Interment will be at New Ritchie Cemetery. Rev. Nick Brewer will officiate.

      (Published by Arrington Funeral Directors of Jackson, TN)