Gayle Downs

Gayle Downs, 85, of Paducah passed away at 2:00 AM on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah.
 
Mr. Downs worked at Modine Manufacturing and Alcan Composites in Benton, he was a member of East Baptist Church in Paducah. Gayle enjoyed hunting, fishing, high school football, UK Basketball and Football. He coached little league football for several years and he operated the chain gang at Reidland High School for over 25 years. He also had the privilege to watch the first football game that Heath High School, Lone Oak High School, Reidland High School and McCracken County High School played.
 
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Verda (Estes) Downs of Paducah; one son, Todd Downs of Paducah; one daughter, Lisa Stephenson and husband Pat of Paducah; one sister, Sandra Lynn (Downs) Holland and husband Paul of Paducah; four nieces, Cynthia Spears, Susie Sikes, Roxanne Estes, Patricia Liljenberg; five nephews, Keith Downs, Jeff Holland, Doug Downs, Brad Downs, Josh Downs; several great nieces and nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron Downs and Ruth (Freeman) Downs; brother, Ronald Larry Downs; brother-in-law, Rockford Estes Jr.; sister-in-law, Marie Estes.
 
Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Hughes Funeral Home in Paducah with Bro. Michael Wooley officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Paducah.
 
Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday at the funeral home.
 
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions made to East Baptist Church, 2985 Old Husbands Road, Paducah, KY 42003 or Lourdes Hospice, 1530 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY 42001 or Cassidy’s Cause, 6075 Clinton Road, Paducah, KY 42001.
 
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at
www.hughesfuneral.com.
 
Hughes Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.