Michael Downs

There will be a Memorial Service honoring Mike's life on his birthday, Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at Gethsemane Presbyterian Church in Ft. Worth (960 W. Bluff) at 6:00 p.m.

Mike Downs, 54, of Waco, passed away Friday, May 9, 2008 at his residence surrounded by his family.

Services of remembrance will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at the OakCrest Funeral Home Chapel, 4520 Bosque Blvd. Visitation with the family will be held immediately after the service.

Memorial videos honoring Mike's life will be shown before and after the service.

Mike was born June 11, 1953 in Texarkana, Arkansas to Albert Wayne and Hazel Downs. He was raised in Texarkana and graduated from Texarkana High School in 1971.

Mike's special talent was for his work in broadcasting, both Radio and Television. He started an early career in radio at KTFS in Texarkana, Texas and television in Shreveport, La. He continued to climb in the field of broadcasting with a move to Ft. Worth. There he accepted a position with KFJZ and The Eagle as an engineering assistant. His career wouldn't stop there. He soon accepted a position as Chief Engineer at KZBS in Oklahoma City in 1986.

In 1998, Mike was sought out and hired to work at the Clear Channel Broadcasting facilities in Oklahoma City. It was there he and his wife Kathy, would spend the happiest times of their marriage and careers. They had a lake behind their home. The lake was frequented by large Canadian geese "the boys" that Mike enjoyed feeding tremendously.

Mike touched many lives along his life's pathway, but none more than that of his wife, Kathy. He brought her a happiness that has no words. Their love will be ever enduring.

He was diagnosed in 2003 with the disease that would eventually take his life. He fought bravely, unceasingly and encouraged throughout his journey by his love for Kathy. Mike was often heard saying "I'm just not ready to leave this woman, yet!" This kept both Mike and Kathy going forward, praying for his miracle.

God has fulfilled his promise to Mike with peace that surpasses understanding.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Albert Wayne Downs.

He is survived by his loving wife Kathy; his mother, Hazel Downs; children, Tiffany Chase and her husband, Michael, Summer Downs and Christopher Downs; a sister, Diane Sajwaj; two grand-children Hayley and Hannah Chase; his extended family members and a host of cherished friends.

Memorials may be made to Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 915 State Street, Erie, PA. 16501, www.kanziuscancerresearch.org