Donald Alan Downs

Donald Alan Downs, 82, of Wellington, died Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at home after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his entire family. His devout Catholic faith provided him the most blessed experience of both life and death.

Don was first and foremost a husband and father. Most knew him as either “The Bee Man” or as the founder of DAD’s Electric in Wellington that is now a 3rd generation business in its’ 49th year.  Don’s work and reputation of first-class electrical ingenuity preceded him on every job in the region. He was also an avid beekeeper for 58 years and apitherapist for 28 years known among beekeeping societies across the country. Based on his extensive knowledge and experience in this area he was regularly asked to speak at conferences across the states. Don was a life member of the Lorain County Beekeepers Association and the Indiana Beekeepers Association. He also previously served on the board of the American Apitherapy Society and was a member for 20 years. He was a proud patriot and served in the US Air Force Strategic Air Command as a flight electrician until 1962. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady Queen of Peace Council No. 8369 Grafton, Ohio.  He was a long-standing member of St. Patrick Church in Wellington and also attended Our Lady of Lourdes in New London.

Don was born on November 8, 1937 in Elyria to the late Walter and Hilda (nee Yost) Downs. He moved to Wellington in 1963 with his beloved wife, Norma. Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Norma (nee Baumgardner); children, Denise Halley, Patrick (Penny) Downs, Donna Payton, John (Cyndy) Downs, Joseph (Michele) Downs, Nancy (Michael) McGinty, and Catherine (Thomas) Holmes; 21 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; siblings Thomas Downs and Regina Hoffman. Don was preceded in death by his grand-daughter Elliana Grace Holmes. 

Contributions in Donald’s memory can be made to Knights of Columbus organization, St. Patrick Church Wellington, Our Lady of Lourdes New London or any beekeeping fund of your choice to continue his legacy and passion of beekeeping.

Friends and family will be received on October 2nd from 4 to 8 pm at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 South Main St, Wellington, 44090. A mass of Christian burial will take place on October 3rd beginning at 10 am at St. Patrick Catholic Parish, 512 N. Main. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Wellington. We ask that all social distancing guidelines be followed and that masks be worn by all visitors. 

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