Leslie "Les" Downey

Leslie "Les" Downey, 79, of Moss Bluff, departed this life Friday December 20, 2013 at a local hospital surrounded by his family. Les was a native of Portageville, MO, educated in Rockford, IL and was a graduate of West Rockford High School, where he served in the ROTC. He proudly and honorably served our country in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at Lake Charles Air Force Base. While here, he met the love of his life, Betty Jane Stakes. He was active in the community and had worked with the Olin Company and PPG as well as being a partner with Lloyd and Annie Stakes in the Moss Bluff Drive-In. He loved the Lord Jesus and was of the Christian Faith, and a member First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff, and served as a deacon of Bethel Baptist Church for many years. He had a particular passion for singing gospel music, with his wife accompanying him on the piano or organ. He also enjoyed fishing, playing dominos, and spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Noma Glover Downey; three brothers, Len, Loel and Leo Downey, sister, Louise Warren; and a grandson, Brannon Kuhlthau. Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his sweetheart and loving wife of 56 years, Betty Jane Downey; two daughters, Cindy Darlene Kuhlthau and husband Ray, Sulphur and Susan Elaine Braselton, Moss Bluff; two sisters, Lois Pedersen, Woodbury, TN and Lola Tittle and husband Wayne, Lynn, AL; five grandchildren, Rocky Hickingbottom, Joanie Warren, Scott Kuhlthau, Josh Pruitt and Brittany Kuhlthau; eight great grandchildren, Amber, Cameron, Justin and Jada Hickingbottom; Landon Maas, Aiden Kuhlthau, Brayden Warren and Noah Hebert. He brought much love to all who knew him and great joy to his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday December 24, 2013 at the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home. The Revs. Steve Bennett and Jack Clift will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday December 23, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Tuesday from 9:00 to 11:00. Burial, with military honors, will be at the old Ritchie Cemetery.