OBITUARY: Derek J. Downs

Derek J. Downs, age 30 of Ridgway, died suddenly on Thursday, March 6, 2014, in Ferrell Hospital, Eldorado.

Derek was born in Evansville, Ind., on Nov. 16, 1983, to the late Rick Downs and Marilyn (Rister) Baldwin. He graduated from Gallatin County High School and had worked in the Agriculture field most of his life. Derek loved the outdoors. He especially loved to deer hunt and fish. He was his happiest when outside. Derek was given the nickname "Smiley" for a reason, every time you saw him he always had a smile for you. He was a good son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend and will be greatly missed.

Derek is survived by his mother and stepfather, Marilyn (Rister) and Louie Baldwin of Junction; his brother and sister in law, Brian and Dee Dee Downs of Fairfield; his grandparents, Jim and Fern Rister of Omaha; a niece, Lindsey and Ryan Owen of Newburgh, Ind.; two uncles, Bob and Cathy Rister of Norris City and Bill and Carla Rister of Evansville, Ind.; along with a host of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rick Downs; and grandparents, Tom and Margaret Clark.

Visitation for Derek will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014, at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway. His funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2014, at the funeral home. The Rev. Kenny Blumenstock will officiate and interment will follow in the Old Cottonwood Cemetery.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com