Pastor Kenneth G. Downs Sr.

Pastor Kenneth G. Downs Sr.

August 18, 1951 ~ May 26, 2025

Pastor Kenneth G. “Ken” Downs Sr., 73, of Martinsburg, went home to be with his Lord, Monday evening, May 26, 2025 at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, Roaring Spring.

He was born in Beaver Valley, Cambria County, son of the late Charles R. and Sylvia M. (Gates) Downs.  On December 15, 1973 he married Sharon K. Wyland at both the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Spangler and at the church parsonage where Ken was a member in Glasgow.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Sharon of 51 years; two sons: Kenneth G. Downs II (Tammy) of Morris Township and Paul E. Downs (Erin) of Altoona; 7 grandchildren: Kitana McWilliams (Evan), Orchid Kaewell (Matt), Renee Coward (Dave), Athena Downs, Gabriel Downs (Kylie), Grayson Downs and Sawyer Downs;10 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ellen Ibberson; and 7 brothers: Charles, Clair, John, Dave, Rick, Bob and Earl Downs.

Pastor Ken was preceded in death by a sister, Nancy Lidwell; and a brother, Gary Lee Downs.

He was a 1970 graduate of Glendale High School and was later ordained through the Roseland Christian Fellowship.

Pastor Ken was a longtime farmer, who loved raising animals, growing trees and tending to his garden.  He also worked for many years as an auctioneer at the Sale Barn in Martinsburg and served as the Pastor for multiple churches and as chaplain for various facilities.

He was a longtime member and past master for the former Grange at both Sinking Valley and Utahville in Clearfield County.  Pastor Ken was also a lifetime member of the Tyrone F.F.A.

Pastor Ken enjoyed time spent with his family, Tuesday and Thursday Men’s Bible Study, hosting his Saturday morning sermon “The Right to Know the Truth” on WJSM and was an avid reader.

Family and friends will be received starting at 6pm, Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Holsinger Church of the Brethren, Bakers Summit. Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.

Contributions in memory of Pastor Ken may be given to WJSM, 724 Rebecca Furnace Rd., Martinsburg, PA 16662.