John Joseph Downs Sr. aged 88, long time resident of Corpus Christi, Tx passed away on March 21st, 2019 in Sugar Land, Tx surrounded by family.

He was born on November 8th, 1930, to Maria Refugio Garcia Downs and Terry Lee Downs, at Old Mercy Hospital in Laredo, Tx.

In 1948 he enlisted into the Marine Corps at the age of 17, three months shy of his 18th birthday. He then fought in Korean War and participated at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir under frigid conditions. Part of C company 1st Amphibious Tractor Battalion, he piloted his beloved Amtrak, Kabuto. He was honorably discharged as an E6 with a purple heart, bronze and silver stars in 1955.

Upon returning home he entered into vocational school in Chicago and learned about diesel engines and locomotives. Then, while operating power plant diesel engines in Vietnam, he met his wife of 47 years, Dong Thi Duyen.

He was an enthusiast of photography, locomotives, non-fiction, the Houston Texans, and locally made breakfast.

He is survived by wife Duyen, son John, and daughter Maria. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 at Seaside Memorial Park, 4357 Ocean Dr, Corpus Christi, Tx 78412 at 9 am followed by a funeral service at 1:30 pm. Interment to follow afterward. 

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, John Downs 88 years old , born on November 8, 1930 and passed away on March 21, 2019. We will remember him forever.