Lester F. Downs age 67, died Friday, December 10, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He was born in Lafayette, LA the son of Josiah and Thelma Hart Downs. Lester was an Honors Graduate at McNeese State University at Lake Charles, LA and was retired from the FAA as an Electronic Specialist. He received the FAA "Above and Beyond" Award which is the highest award presented by the agency has and was for his efforts during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Mr. Downs was a Mason with Masonic Lodge #332 in Jackson, TN and was a veteran of Vietnam serving in the Air Force from 1972 to 1976. He was a member of Maple Springs Baptist Church helping in sound and audio for services. Lester loved fishing, genealogy, his New Orleans Saints, and cherished his two grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Rita Hebert Downs of Mercer, TN, three sons, Samuel Downs of Denmark, TN, Andrew Downs of Denmark, TN, and Dexter Downs of Sulphur, LA, two daughters, Jessica (Eugene) Rook of Denmark, TN and Jennifer (Nathan) Roaten of Mercer, TN. Two grandchildren, Carly Ann Roaten and Maci Nicole Rook, and one sister, Doris Franklin of Lake Charles, LA. The family would like extend their heartfelt thanks and deepest regards in thanking Tennessee Quality Care Hospice as they were amazing with the care given to their "Daddy" and their needs throughout his illness! SERVICES: The family will be receiving friends on Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. with a service at 2:00 P.M. at Arrington Funeral Directors with Bro. Joe McIntyre officiating. Burial will follow at a later date in Lake Charles, LA at the Ritchie II Cemetery with Heritage Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, 731-668-1111 Jackson, TN 38305 www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com Burial 12:00 AM Ritchie II Cemetery 178 S Perkins Ferry Rd Moss Bluff, Louisiana - 70611 Visitation Thursday, December 16, 2021 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Arrington Funeral Directors 148 W University Pkwy Jackson, Tennessee - 38305 Funeral Service 148 W University Pkwy Jackson, Tennessee 38305 United States