Franklin Downs

DOWNS, FRANKLIN PHILLIP PHILFranklin Phillip Phil Downs, beloved husband, father and grandfather went to be with the Lord on Monday July 29, 2013 in his home surrounded by family. A celebration service is scheduled for 10:00 A.M., on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at First Baptist Church. Pastor Troy Grant of Berrendo Baptist Church of Roswell and Garry Schwalk of First Baptist Church of Carlsbad will officiate. A graveside service will follow with Joe Tillery officiating.
Phil was born in Roswell, NM on May 13, 1941 to Clifford Franklin Downs and Nina Belle Van Winkle Downs who preceded him in death. His stepmother Dorothy Marie Downs Warren and stepfather Calvin Warren also preceded him in death.

Phil is survived by his wife and longtime sweetheart of 51 years, Elnor Mae Downs, his daughter, Tamara Lynn Trice husband Jeffrey, son Derek Phillip Downs wife Cathy and five perfect grandchildren: Keegan Phillip Downs, Rebekah Noel Trice, Makenna Cathryn Downs, Grayson Lawrence Downs, and Asher Witt Downs. He is also survived by his sister Linda Nell Hulse husband Geoff and brother David Wayne Downs wife Patty, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Phil spent his childhood and teenage years in Artesia, N.M. He graduated from Artesia High School in May, 1960. While in high school, Phil worked as a sacker at H. J. Food Basket, where he eventually became an assistant manager. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 19591967. In 1965, Phil and Elnor moved to El Paso, TX where he worked many years for SherwinWilliams, but he loved New Mexico and wanted to get back. He accepted a position with Goodyear Tire Company in Clovis, New Mexico, but left a few years later when he was to be transferred back to El Paso. Phil then moved his family to Roswell and began his twentyfive year career as Senior Account Agent with Allstate Insurance Company where he worked with his close friend, Lee Rucker.

Phil was ordained as a Deacon and served for many years in the Sunday School Ministry at First Baptist Church of Roswell. At the time of his death, he was currently serving as Deacon and all around volunteer at Berrendo Baptist Church of Roswell. Phil was very active in the Gideon Ministry of Roswell and the surrounding area. Phil also enjoyed singing and occasionally served in the role of interim worship leader at Bethel Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church. Phil loved his Lord, his family, and anyone in need.

Phil touched many lives. He was deeply loved and will be truly missed.
The family would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care in helping with Phils peaceful passing at home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any of the following:
The Gideon Ministry of Roswell, P.O. Box 777, Roswell NM 88202
Pecos Valley Baptist Association Disaster Relief Team, P.O. Box 267, Artesia, NM 88211
Gentiva Hospice, 400 N. Pennsylvania Suite 500, Roswell, NM 88201
Berrendo Baptist Helping Hands, 401 W. Berrendo Rd., Roswell, NM 88201
Pallbearers will be friends from the Gideon Camp of Roswell: Doug Burger, Jimmy Craig, Adam Dutchover, Bill Glenn, Pete Hebert, and John Ortega. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Berrendo Baptist Church: Kenneth Esslinger and Mike Hardwick.

Condolences can be made online at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com

Arrangements are under the personal direction of the professionals at LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

Visitation

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Sunday, August 4, 2013
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

First Baptist Church
500 North Pennsylvania
Roswell, NM  88201
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

P.O. Box 777
Roswell, NM  88202


P.O. Box 267
Artesia, NM  88211


400 N. Pennsylvania, Suite 500
Roswell, NM  88201