Doris E. Downes, 75

DELMAR - Doris E. Downes, of Delmar, died Friday, May 2, 2008, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 75.

She was born Oct. 11, 1932, in Laurel, daughter of the late Norman and Margie Jane (Wilkerson) Wingate.

Doris graduated from Laurel High School with the class of 1950 and was an active member of the Laurel Alumni Association.

She worked as a bookkeeper for Perdue and in production for General Foods before handling the bookkeeping duties for Downes Burner Service, owned and operated by her late husband, Alvin Downes Sr.

She attended Messiah's Vineyard Church in Laurel.

She loved NASCAR and was a faithful fan of Jeff Gordon and enjoyed crossword puzzles.

She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by six sons, Douglas Downes and his wife Cathy of Laurel, Alan Downes and his wife Barbara of Delmar, Kipp Downes and his wife Michelle of Delmar, Alvin Downes Jr. and his wife Brenda of Laurel, Gerry Downes and his wife Patti of Laurel and Darrell Downes of Charlestown, W.Va.; a sister, Naomi Lare of Delmar; two brothers, Leon Wingate and his wife Fran of Millsboro and Vernon Wingate Sr. of Laurel; nine grandchildren, Doug Downes, Heather Downes, Danielle Briggs, Tonya Lindstadt, Jennifer Downes, Wayne Downes, Michael Downes, Jason Downes and Darrell Downes Jr.; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Alvin E. Downes Sr., on Oct. 22, 2004.

A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove St., Delmar, where family and friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m.

Bob Boyce, lay pastor, will officiate.

Interment will follow in St. Stephen's Cemetery in Delmar.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.