TSgt Harvey “Larry” Downes, USAF Ret., 80, of Brooksville, FL passed away on Sat., Sept. 3, 2011 at HPH Hospice.
Larry was born in Washington, DC, and was the youngest child of a military family. He spent his early years in Ft. Riley, Kansas where his father served in the US Cavalry. Larry moved to the Tampa area at the age of six when his father retired. He attended Hillsborough High School and St. Petersburg Junior College. He joined the Air Force in 1948. He participated in the Berlin Airlift and is a veteran of the “cold war,” the Korean War and the Vietnam War. One of the highlights of his career was serving in 1957 at the radar site in the Arctic Circle that detected the launch of SPUTNIK I and receiving the Outstanding Unit Award. He retired after 20 years of service. He later worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance, Sears, and then for the US Postal Service as a mail carrier. Afterwards he became a crossing guard for the Hernando County School System; a position he thoroughly enjoyed.
Larry has been an active member of DAV Chapter 67, Brooksville since 1993, where he held every position including Commander. He was also a member of Spring Hill VFW Post 10209 and Elks Lodge 2582, Brooksville. He enjoyed calling Bingo and bringing smiles to those he met with a little joke or two. He is deeply loved by his family and will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his previous wife, Pauline; parents, Joseph V. and Anne E.; sisters, Catherine Lewis and Doris Fleming; and brother, Douglas. Survivors include his beloved wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Barbara (Hal) Montanye of New York; a brother, Joseph (Hisako) of Petersburg, VA; many stepchildren as well as granddaughters, Paula Parker of Kingsport, TN and Peggy (Tom) Brooks and grandson, Lewis Gentry of Brooksville; and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Dr. M. Joud.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Larry was a friend I could always rely on when I needed a Bingo Caller on Tuesday nights. He will always be remembered as “Chicken Legs”
(B-11). You are in my prayers and hope we meet again some day.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.ayou will be in my prayers and maybe someday soon you can come to North Carolina for a visit.
Uncle Harvey, I love you and you will be dearly missed. You are in my prayers and I know that you are at rest now and no longer suffering. Liz, I’m very sorry for your loss.
so sorry to hear about larry he was very man gonna miss him he was a great bingo caller rip larry
I enjoyed working with Larry on the 2000 Census. I haven’t seen him since, but did not forget him. I am sure he will be missed and you have my heartfelt sympathies in your loss.
Liz, I’m sooo sorry about your husband, i’m sure you’ll miss him, but he’ll always be with you…..
You will be in my prayers….
Liz, you know how sorry I am about your loss. Harvey and I go back to childhood and I will never forget our walks to elementary school, watching for diamondbacks, sidewinders and keeping our eyes peeled for one eye pete. Harvey was always 2 gun and we had to quick draw every time we met. He always won. Playing football in the road, trips to ball games, running out of gas in Labelle, fl at midnight. Wonderful memories and a great guy.
Barry Wilhite
Uncle Harvey we will miss you so much. You were so good to everyone. I know that you are at peace and with your loved ones. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry tht Larry passed, Liz. I am glad I was able to visit with him at home & at hospice before he passed. You are in my thoughts & prayers. You know I am here for you. Love to yoi, Liz.
Liz, I,m so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Love You Aunt Joan
Larry was a wonderful person and always a joy to work around at the Post Office. He will be in our prayers.
Larry was always a friend and a friend to be valued. He was a man that was always there when anyone needed him.
Always a pleasure to be around. Always a gentleman and above all . . . always a caring person. A good person and a good man. See you at The LORDS table.
Uncle Harvey, I love you and deeply miss you. We had alot of great phone chats and fun with the family. I always enjoyed your jokes, too! Rest in peace with Grandma, Grandaddy, Mom, Aunt Cathy, & Uncle Douglas. All of you are in my prayers. Love & Hugs.
Liz, we are so sorry for your loss, will keep you & your family in our prayers.
So sorry for your loss, I will remember you in my prayers.
Larry was one of the finest men that I have ever known.He was such a caring man and I count it a pleasure to have had the opportunity to have known him. He always had a joke every time I saw him and sometimes he would tell the same one many times over,but he was always there for Liz and for me and there was nothing that he would not have done for either one of us I don’t think. RIP Larry and looking to the day when we shall meet again!
Uncle Harvey you have always been special to me.Mom always said you were her little brother,she felt the need to always be there for you.Family meant so much to you.I remember you and Liz flew to Vegas to be with family for our daughter Nichole’s wedding.I know you are in a beautiful place with your Mom,Dad,Aunt Doris,Catherine(Mom)Uncle Douglas and your nephew(Van)We love you so much..Rest in Peace..Love..your neice Priscilla,Lanas,Lanas2nd,Gina,Nichole
Grandpa Larry: Thank you for being there for me over the past 39 years! We take peace in knowing you are reunited in heaven w Nanny (Pauline)and surrounded in love by family.
?Peggy&Family?
Matthew5:4
Uncle Harvey was mama’s “Baby Brother,” as she liked to say often. Mama sometimes called him “Harv.” I do know he was 16 years old when I was born. He used to tell stories about mama and my father when they were dating. He was just a little guy then. Maybe he was around ten years old. I know he told me once H.M. have him some money to go to the store so mama and H.M. could be alone for a minute.
Uncle Harvey was the great story teller. He would laugh all the way through while telling them, and by the time he was through, we were all laughing. I used to sit in grandma’s living room, and he would pace around while he spun his yarn. He’d walk back and forth, all the while talking and talking. When I was in the beginning stages of labor with Ky, he came to grandmama’s. We were sitting at the kitchen with mama. I was so scared and nervous. Everytime I’d have a labor pain, he’d keep right on talking, but I’d see him look at his watch. He was timing between the pains. He didn’t want to upset me because frankly, I didn’t want to go to the hospital and “do this thing.” Aunt Doris came and literally screamed at me and between them all I went.
I’ll always remember you Uncle Harvey. You were and will always be a part of my life. Most of all, I’ll remember your laugh, mama’s laugh, and Aunt Doris’ laugh. I hope you’re all together. I’m so happy that the last couple of years I have my little sister back. I really need her.
The last time we saw him was after dinner, and he was leaving. Priscilla, Lanas, and I all hugged him and told him we loved him. We knew he was sick. I’ll always love “mama’s little brother.” I love you Uncle Harvey.
From your oldest niece,
Pam