Thomas Elwood "Nick" Downs, Sr., 71, of Avenue, MD died March 5, 2009 in Washington, DC. Born October 6, 1937 in Avenue, MD he was the son of the late Joseph Clifton and Helena Mildred Bailey Downs.

He was the loving husband of Emily Patricia "Patsy" Downs whom he married on October 28, 1961 in St. John's Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD. He is survived by his son Thomas Elwood "Ted" Downs, Jr. of Colton's Point, MD as well as five siblings: Ann Huseman of Hollywood, MD, James M. "Buddy" Downs of Abell, MD, Thelma Reingruber of Annandale, VA, Joseph Downs of Bluffton, SC and Patricia Troger of La Plata, MD and also by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by his two siblings Walter B. Downs and Joan Downs.

Nick was a lifelong St. Mary's County resident who attended Margaret Brent High School and worked as a self employed home builder for fifty years until his retirement in 2002.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 10:00 AM in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Avenue, MD with Fr. William Gurnee officiating. Interment will be Private.

Pallbearers will be James M. "Jimmy" Downs, Jr., Danny Huseman, Charles D. Downs, Joey Huseman, Mike Reingruber and Ricky Downs. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robbie Goddard, Robert Keener, Wayne Keener, Jamie MaGill and Kenny Reingruber. Contributions may be made to Holy Angels Sacred Heart School , 21335 Colton's Point Road, Avenue, MD 20609 and/or 7th District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.