Joseph E.Downham

Joseph E. Downham, 91, of Piggott passed away Saturday, March 20, 2010, at the VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

He was born Nov. 16, 1918, in Piggott and was the son of the late Byran W. and Ethel (Brandon) Downham.

He was married to Mimia Louise (Huffman) June 28, 1941, and to this union two children were born. She preceded him in death Dec. 10, 2002.

Joe was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Air Force from Nov. 17, 1942, to Nov. 14, 1945. He was a carpenter by trade and loved to hunt and fish.

Survivors include one daughter, Sharon Flanigan and husband Larry of Pollard; two granddaughters, Diane Flanigan of Oklahoma and Karen Brown and husband Gary of Kennett; two great-granddaughters, Emily Haywood and Alyssa Brown of Kennett; three half-brothers, Alvin, Willard and Robert Dale, all of Indiana; seven half-sisters, Helen Clines, Lois Cox, Joyce Wools, Mary Stage and Evelyn McKinney, all of Indiana, Cleda Lynch of Ohio and Wilma Dale of Pollard; a special friend, James Davis, and many other loving family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Joe Downham; a granddaughter, Belinda Sue Robbins; a sister, Alice Downham; a half-sister, Madolyn Turner, and half brothers, Billy Charles Downham and Garland Mayo.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 22, at the Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Piggott with Bro. David Floyd officiating. Interment was in the Mitchell Cemetery at Greenway.

Arrangements were by Irby Funeral Home of Piggott.

Those wishing to sign the online guest register may do so at www.irbyfuneralhome.com