Rudolph Downes

Rudolph Downes, 80, passed away on June 06, 2022 at The Pillars in Biloxi, MS. He was born on January 23, 1942 in Riverside, CA, the youngest of three to William and Zelma (Mabra) Downes. He grew up in Riverside county as part of the Butts family. Rudy, as he was widely known, liked to fish and ride motorcycles as a young man. He graduated from San Bernadino High School, a member of the Class of 1960. Rudy enlisted in the US Navy, serving as a mechanic. Following his discharge, he went back to school for a while and went to work in the construction field for a while. He wasn't quite satisfied being in one place, so he decided to strike out. Rudy "wandered" to wherever he felt led to go, living for a while and working in many states. While there, he not only worked somewhere, but he also volunteered in a church or some area where he could be of assistance, because that's just who Rudy was. In all his travels, his favorite was Mississippi, and he returned there later in life, working at Lee's Market in Biloxi for quite some time. In his spare, he enjoyed visiting the casinos to play and dine. Rudy is remembered as a funny, kind-hearted man who would give you the shirt off his back. His stories kept you intrigued and he told so many of them through the years. He spent a lot of time volunteering and helping others, mostly at churches in the areas where he lived, but he would help anyone. He was well-liked by all who knew him, and will be greatly missed. He was preceded by his parents, William and Zelma (Butts) Downes, and both of his sisters, Margaret Washington Daniels and Delores Austin, along with his daughter, Debra Downes. Left to cherish his memories are: his daughters Trina and Zelma Downes, and his son William (Debra) Downes. He leaves a legacy of three grandchildren: Kori Stewart, Zelma Downes, and Jake Dawson, along with numerous extended family members and untold numbers of friends and acquaintances through the years. His final wishes were to be cremated, which his family is honoring. He will be returned to his hometown of Riverside, CA for interment in Riverside National Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Downes family in their time of need and asks everyone to remember them in your prayers during this difficult time.

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