Milton, NH

Arthur William Downs, age 80, of St. James Avenue in Milton, died October 20, 2017.

Born March 27, 1937 in Rochester, son of Herbert Downs, Sr. and Wilma (Warnecke) Downs, he resided in Milton for most of his life. He and his wife were snowbirds the past nine years in Punta Gorda, Florida.

He was veteran of the United States Navy.

Arthur was retired, a bread delivery man for Country Kitchen. While retired, he drove the school bus in Milton.

A former Captain of the Milton Fire Department, he served on the Milton Ambulance, also a NH Fire Warden for many years. In Punta Gorda, he volunteered at the Wildlife Center, helped at the annual Air Show and was a volunteer with the Sheriff's Department in Charlotte County.

An avid Red Sox fan, he was a fisherman, enjoyed puzzles, the Casino, loved his coffee and being Grandpa.

Survived by his wife Shirley (Smith) Henner Downs, 2 daughters: Robin and husband Robert Bickford, Nancy and husband John Michaud, 3 step children: Keith Henner, Robert and wife Lorene Henner, Tammy Henner and Tim, 12 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, a brother Herbert Downs, Jr., a sister Sharon Cole, also several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife Joan Downs.

Calling hours are Tuesday, October 24, 2017 from 11am-1pm at Peaslee Funeral Home, 24 Central Street, Farmington, NH with a funeral at 1pm. Interment will follow at Milton Mills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Cornerstone VNA/Hospice or Milton Fire Department.