of Fifty-Six, AR
March 17, 1934 - October 6, 2014
Clifton Downs was born March 17, 1934 to John and Lola (Sutterfield) Downs. He met his Savior on October 06, 2014. Clifton married the love of his life, Charlene (Smith) Downs on October 15, 1953, and they enjoyed 60 years and 11 months together. God blessed their union with five children: Brenda Maniccia (Jon) of Thorndale, Texas; Doyle Downs (Glenda) of Bald Knob, Arkansas; Larry Downs (Lawayne) of Nixa, Missouri; Sandra Smithson (Jackie) of Marshall, Arkanasas; Belinda Harper (Ray) of Velvet Ridge, Arkansas.
Clifton was a quiet, loving and compassionate man who always put God, family, congregations and friends before his own needs; which made him a Godly role model for everyone that he met. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and mowing. Clifton was a knowledgeable mechanic and owned C & D Garage in Fifty Six where he proudly used his skills to repair or ''tinker'' on vehicles. One of his prize possessions was a 1950 Chevy truck that he fully restored and for which he was later awarded 1st place trophies in area car shows. He worked for Singer Incorporated, and Stone County Propane/Synergy gas companies for Cline Dearien and John Scroggins for many years.
The passion of Clifton's life was his ministry. He began his ministry in Long Chapel, a small community church near his home in Truman, Arkansas. He was a licensed minister in the Church of God and held pastoral positions in several churches in Arkansas, including Fifty Six, Mountain View, Fisher, Sage, and Desha. He also served as an evangelist and was eager to preach in revivals to share the message of salvation. He and his wife, Charlene opened their loving home and ministered to multitudes of families in need. He spent the majority of his life living in the communities of Fifty Six and Mountain View until a debilitating illness required him to join his wife and become a resident of Highland Court in Marshall.
Clifton was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Nadean (Downs) Williams, one brother, Rick Downs, one daughter, Belinda (Downs) Harper, one grandson, Shawn Downs, one great-granddaughter, Hope Busby, and one great-great grandson, Benjamin Reyes.
Clifton is survived by his wife, Charlene and four children. In addition, he is survived by twelve grandchildren: Clifton Brent Cullison, Erica Medina, Travis Downs, Michael Downs, Deborah Downs, Joseph Downs, Erik Downs, Stephanie Busby, Jessica Owens, Jeremy Freeman, Dustin Harper, and Bethany Freeman; twenty-four great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four siblings: Charles Downs (Kathy), Joyce Morrison (Duane), Lois Sisk (Colynos), and Clifford Downs (Janice) and sister-in-law Charlene (Rick) Downs.
Visitation for Clifton will be at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas October 8, 2014 from 6:00 8:00 PM. The funeral will also be held at Roller-Coffman October 9, 2014 at 2:00 PM with Reverend Dewayne Smith, Reverend Jackie Smithson, Michael Downs, and Reverend Rob Schular officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons: Brent Cullison, Travis Downs, Michael Downs, Erik Downs, Jeremy Freeman, and Dustin Harper. Burial is in Spoonflat Cemetery near Fifty Six, Arkansas.
So sorry for your loss Brother Downs was a great man. I am Elnora Branscum daughter. She loved you guys so much
I am so sorry for your loss. Clifton was a kind and gentle Christian man and my Dad(Bud Welch), thought a lot of him as did all of us. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Sandra and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
In our thoughts and prayers.
Love and Prayers,
Bethel and Bentley Massey
Mrs. Smithson,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Prayers for you and your family.
Barbara Ragland & Adam Ragland
Dear Downs Family; We are so sorry to hear of Clifton's passing. He was a good man and will be missed. You all are in our prayers.
Charlene and family, we are so sorry.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We love you guys very much.
Im so sorry about your lost . My love and prayers are with all the family at this time if there is anything I can do please call.
I know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Our prayers and sympathies are with you all.
So sorry for you loss- prayers
Sandra and Family, James and I are so sorry to see your dad's obituary. Although we never met him we know that he was a Godly man from the things others said and are sure that Heaven is a better place with his arrival. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during your time of sorrow. May God bless and keep you during the days and weeks ahead. Love and Prayers, Diana
Papa,
You are an amazing man of God that touched so many lives. Granny, I am so sorry I am not able to be there, I love you so much. Dad, Uncle Doyle, Aunt Brenda, Aunt Sandra: Papa is preaching a sermon next to our heavenly father, what a treat heaven is hearing. I am so sorry for your loss. I love all of you and the family will be in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss. He was a man of God. May he rest in peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know it hurts now, but as long as you have him in your heart and mind he will always be a part of your lives. Trust in the Lord for peace. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
TO THE FAMILY:
Ya'll have always been so very special to our family. We all grew up together from Trumann, Ar to Fisher, AR and on to Fifty-six.
so sorry for your loss but remember the Bible says " To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord".
Finally, him and mom and dad are rejoicing together.
love ya'll very much