ENROLLED
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2
BY REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Clarence
Herbert Downs of Alexandria, Louisiana.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Louisiana House of
Representatives has learned of the death of Clarence Herbert "Sonny" Downs of Alexandria,
Louisiana, at the age of eighty-one on February 27, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Clarence Herbert Downs was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on July
10, 1933, to Charles Edward and Eula Beauboeuf Downs; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Downs graduated from Bolton High School in 1950, attended
Louisiana College in Pineville, and completed his education at the New York School of
Interior Design; and
WHEREAS, in 1952, Mr. Downs established Downs Furniture Company with his
brother, where he worked until the store closed on December 31, 1990; after the closing of
Downs Furniture Company, Mr. Downs' passion for furniture and interior design never
diminished and he helped his daughter, Kyle, with her design business; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Downs was deeply committed to his family, friends, community,
and country; he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, the Louisiana Home Furnishings
Association, the Lion's Club, and he served as president of the Cosmopolitan Club of
Alexandria, a board member of Alexandria Country Day School, and as a former chairman
of the Annual Menard Fundraiser; Clarence Herbert Downs was honorably discharged from
the National Guard of Louisiana as Sergeant First Class in Medical Company; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Downs was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Eunice
Downs Sayes, Ilda Downs Woodall, Bernice Downs Kitchen, and Fay Downs Ellerbe; and
his brothers, Malcolm C. "Mac" Downs, James Emmett Downs, Charles Ray Downs, Ralph
Huey Downs, and Newman Downs; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Downs is survived by his loving wife, Burma; his daughter, Kyle
Downs Drerup, and her husband, Lawrence Drerup, M.D.; his son, Stephen Dyer Downs,
M.D.; his granddaughter, Jimmie Rose David; and numerous extended family members,
cousins, nieces, and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Clarence Herbert Downs leaves behind a rich and unique legacy of hard
work and dedication and is greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the
death of Clarence Herbert Downs of Alexandria, does hereby recognize and record for
posterity his notable accomplishments and singular contributions, and does hereby extend
enduring appreciation for the pride and honor that he will forever bring to his family and
friends, the city of Alexandria, and the state of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Clarence Herbert Downs.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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