Jesse Gale Downs

Jesse Gale Downs, age 85, passed away Friday, December 13, 2013 at his home in Shelley. Gale was born February 6, 1928 at Orem, Utah a son of Jesse Stephen Downs and Mary Alta Collings Downs. Gale married Dorothy Mae Fryer April 13, 1949 in Roberts, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple March 10, 1965. He was a member of the LDS Church. Gale was a hard worker and was employed with the Union Pacific Railroad for 38 years. He also worked as a scraper and equipment operator for many years in the Hamer area. He loved hunting, fishing, carving pictures on wood and playing his harmonica. He and Dorothy enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada. One of his favorite trips was to Alaska. Gale is survived by his children: Sherry (Mike) Hope, Glenda Downs (Bruce Cox), Connie Downs all of Idaho Falls, Julie Downs (Jim Bruneel) of Emmett, Idaho and Farrel (Brenda) Downs of Hamer, Idaho, 18 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and 4 great great-grandchildren, sisters, Sheila Butler of Shelley, Clella (Bill) Steinke of Idaho Falls, and a brother Blaine Kyle (Shirley) Downs of Terreton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, an infant son Zane Gale Downs, a grandson a great grandson and sister Darthella Leavitt Funeral services will be held Tuesday December 17, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 West Main Street, in Rigby. The family will visit with friends on Monday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services both at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com. The family will appreciate contributions to the Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City.