Harry Thomas
Downer, 84
CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Harry Thomas Downer passed away at home on May 18, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.
Tom was born on May 18, 1938 in Woodbury, N.J., son of the late Harry S. and Marion Osman Downer. After graduating from Pitman High School in 1956, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving for 4 years. He then attended Glassboro State College where he received his BA degree in education and later his MA degree in Counseling. In 1963 he married his high school sweetheart, Darla. He always said it was love at first sight and so did she.
His early career began at Clearview Regional H.S., and Washington Twp. H.S. both in New Jersey. In 1973 he found his home at Smyrna High School where he retired in 2000. He also owned and operated Downer's Emporium and Shore Sweeps Chimney Sweep Service.
Tom served on the Galena Town Council, was Commissioner of the Little League and a past member of the Galena Lions Club.
He loved the outdoors; boating on the Chesapeake and the Sassafras, enjoying the beautiful sunsets from the deck at the Kitty Knight House and the Granary, and spending time with his many beloved pets. Nanook, a Husky Malamute, often accompanied him to school. Most importantly he loved spending time with family and friends and working as a counselor. He loved his work with his kids so much that he truly never had to work a day in his life.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Darla H. Downer; two sons, Corey T. Downer (Carrie) of Galena, Md. and Robert S. Downer (Lisa) of Havre de Grace, Md.; a sister, Eleanor Refsnider of Harrington, Del.; brother-in-law, Bob Hammond and his wife Louise; nieces, Beverly Smith (Billy), Christine Carpenter (Andrew); nephews, David Banks (Linda), Bob Hammond III (Tara); grandson, Kyle Downer; and step-grandchildren, Andrew, Hailey, and Joshua Humphreys; and many, many friends.
A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 12 noon at the Fish Whistle at the Granary, Georgetown, Md.
Memorial contributions may be made in Tom Downer's name to the Smyrna High School Faculty Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving senior. (payable to) Smyrna School District (send to) Smyrna School District c/o Finance Office, 82 Monrovia Ave., Smyrna, DE 19977 or the Animal Care Shelter of Kent County, PO Box 352, Chestertown, MD 21620
Arrangements by Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech.