Jesse V. Downs, 99, of Salina, passed away, Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Salina Regional Health Center.  He was born in Industry, Kansas, to Jesse C. and Verna F. (Loader) Downs, on January 15, ,1924.  He graduated Salina High School in 1942 and joined the Army Airforce, that same year.  He served for four years during World War II.  On November 3, 1946, Jesse married Margaret Elizabeth Burk, in Wichita, Kansas.  They were married and inseparable for 74 years.

He is survived by his children, Cheryl Utech (James), of Manhattan, Stephen Downs (Rosalie), of Colorado Springs, and Greg Downs (Eileen), of Hutchinson; one sister, Doris Tuttle, of Colorado Springs; grandchildren, Kimberly Splawn (Robert), Melissa Kendall (Jeremy), Jesse A. Downs (Dana), Nancy Erickson (Lewis), James M. Utech (Lora), David Green (Kathleen); 14 great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be Monday, May 1, 2023, in Roselawn Memorial Park, Salina.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, in care of Ryan Mortuary.