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

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. &nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678300338481.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jesse V. Downs, 99, of Salina, passed away, Sunday, 
March 5, 2023, at Salina Regional Health Center.&nbsp; He was born in 
Industry, Kansas, to Jesse C. and Verna F. (Loader) Downs, on January 
15, 1924.&nbsp; He graduated Salina High School in 1942 and joined the Army 
Air Force, that same year.&nbsp; He served for four years during World War 
II.&nbsp; On November 3, 1946, Jesse married Margaret Elizabeth Burk, in 
Wichita, Kansas.&nbsp; They were married and inseparable for 74 years. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, in care of Ryan Mortuary.