Robert Downs

Robert (Bob) Henry Downs, 87 years of age, returned to his heavenly home on Saturday, February 14, of problems incident to his age. Born on a fruit farm in Orem, Utah on November 3rd, 1927, he was the youngest of six children of Clarence and Lois (Patten) Downs. He graduated from Lincoln High School before pursuing a degree in music education. He met his sweetheart, Clarine Elizabeth Kiehl, at the Conservatory of Music in Kansas City, Missouri. They were married March 9th, 1951, and nine years later their marriage was solemnized in the Logan temple. He served for two years in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, then continued his higher education at the Conservatory of Music, Indiana University, and Eastman School of Music. He taught music in a public school in Missouri before becoming a professor of music at universities in South Dakota and Virginia. He came back to his home roots in 1966, where Bob became a professor of vocal music at BYU for 23 years. While there, he directed the Women's Chorus, taught numerous music classes, and individual vocal lessons. As a baritone, he participated in operas, concerts, and was well known for singing the national anthem at BYU basketball games. He, along with Clarine, who is also a trained vocalist, made music the center of their home. All five of their girls played instruments and sang together as a family. They lovingly remember waking up in the mornings to their father playing "Let Us Gather in a Circle" over and over in major and minor keys (and everything in between), summoning the family to scripture reading and family prayer. Bob was a loving and devoted husband and father. He was faithful in his service in the LDS church and served in bishoprics, high councils, and at the Provo and Mount Timpanogos temples among other callings. After retiring from BYU in 1989, Bob and Clarine served a mission in the South Africa Capetown mission. His family remembers him as a man who was gentle and kind, soft spoken and loving. He was funny, and always ready with a quip or witty response in every situation. He was honest, hardworking, and could fix just about anything. He will be missed by his best friend and eternal companion of nearly 64 years, Clarine of Orem, and their five daughters: Carolyn (Vaughn) Thacker of Perryburg, Ohio; Debbie Downs of Salt Lake City; Rebecca (Gary) Broderick of Orem; Lisa (Steve) Bearnson of Highland; and Angela (Terry) Ash of Elko, Nevada. Also remembering him with fondness and respect are 22 grandchildren and 30 (nearly 33) great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents and five siblings, Lavar, John Winston, Howard, Kathleen, and Claude (Pat). Funeral services will be held Friday February 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Orem Park 6th Ward-114 South 400 West, Orem, Utah. Visitation will be held at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State, Orem, from 6-8 Thursday and 9:30-10:30a.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Orem City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Robert Downs to the Perpetual Education Fund or the General Missionary Fund for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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