Charlie Downs

Charlie Downs, age 70, of Madison, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at his home.

A graveside service will be held at a later date in Graceland Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted with Rustand-Weiland Funeral Chapel.

Charles Mason Downs was born June 22, 1951, in Madison, SD to Melvin & Marjorie (Laughlin) Downs and grew up on the family farm north of Madison. He was warm and friendly to everyone and generous to a fault. He loved making people laugh, and especially enjoyed teasing those he loved. He liked cooking, and rock music & trivia. He took great joy in planning and preparing a meal for friends and family. Charlie lived all over the country and met and befriend all sorts of people from all walks of life.

He loved family dearly, always doing all he could for them. He only wished he had been able to spend more time with many of them. He accepted the daughter, Leah, of Deborah (his significant other) as if she were his own, referring to her as “our daughter,” and did all he could to make her life better. He had a love of animals, something he and his significant other of over ten years shared. Together, they rescued and rehabilitated many, especially cats, even bottle feeding some.

Charlie was active in the Farmers Union and played football and wrestling throughout school. He once owned a bar in Madison, SD (Silver Dollar); sold insurance in Colorado; worked on the pipeline; but was known for his construction crews and custom woodworking from Michigan to Florida. He also worked as a chef at two area establishments (Howard Event Center, and later The Cabaret in Carthage SD), often working circles around younger workers.

In February of 2021, following a severe life-threatening infection, and after trying to stay in his & Deborah’s home, they decided he needed a handicapped accessible living arrangement and he moved to the Parkview Apartments. Deb called daily and she & Leah would visit him once a week.

He is survived by his ‘significant other’ of over ten years, Deborah Gibson and her daughter, Leah of Howard, SD; two brothers, Russ Downs of Sioux Falls, SD & Dennis Downs of Madison, SD; one sister, Lois Ridenhauer of Wisconsin; daughter, Casey (Goeff) Fender of Madison, SD: 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lola Downs of Madison, SD and numerous cousins, extended family and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie and father Melvin; step-mother, Betty; brother, Thomas; cousins, Tim & Bill and his furry companion, Spot, the cat.