On September 10th, 1945, the favor of God shined into the lives of John and Lola Downs with the birth of their fifth child whom they named Charles. His siblings included Nadene who married Dale, Clifton who married Charlene, Joyce who married Boss, Susie who married Colynos, Clifford who married Janice, and Ricky who married Charlene. Charles was full of life and energy as a boy and affectionately became known as Dickey or Charlie to many of his family and friends.
In 1959, at the age of 14, Charles met the love of his life, Kathy, at Big Flat School. They started dating a couple of years later, and on May 15, 1964, Charles and Kathy were married in Onia, AR. They spent the next 59 years living a devoted life to each other, which serves as a model for all others to follow. They had two children: Ronda, who married Paul, and Greg, who married Rachel. His grandchildren include MaKaylea married to Evan, Weston married to Summer, Mason married to Bethany, Keegan, and Melton. He also has two great-grandchildren Greyson and Jaxon.
Charles was a handyman who could fix nearly anything. He maintained a small farm near Big Flat and loved hunting, riding horses, and anything else that involved spending time in the great outdoors. He also worked at Baxter Healthcare in Mtn. Home and retired after 35 years of service.
In June of 1964, Charles experienced the biggest change of life when he totally surrendered to Jesus Christ. It was truly life-changing for him, and he never looked back. In 1966, he felt the call to preach and spent the rest of his life sharing the love and saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. His heart was burdened with the desire to reach people, which led him to reach coworkers with the Gospel and start services in Viola, AR. He also served the Round Mountain Church for over 30 Years in leadership and as Pastor. Many souls were eternally impacted as a result of his ministry and selfless devotion to God’s Kingdom.
On Saturday, October 28th God promoted Charles to his eternal reward. His legacy will be timelessly cherished by those he left behind, and the angels greeting him in heaven will surely be overjoyed at the arrival of such an amazing man of God.
A visitation was held Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 at the Round Mountain Community Church, in Big Flat, Arkansas. A funeral service followed with Reverend Gary Anderson, Reverend Paul Mize, and Reverend T.G. Ramsey officiating the service. Interment was at the Big Flat Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Weston Mize, Evan Sanders, Mason Downs, Melton Downs, Cody Amato, and Darrell Ramsey.
Honorary Pallbearers are Dennis Cartwright, Tony Chadwick, Rick Freeman, Heath Freeman, J.L. Ramsey, Josh Shockley.
