Dean Downard

Dean attended Parsons College in Fairfield, Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. He obtained his Master’s Degree at the University of Iowa. In 1962, he began his teaching career at Lowden, Iowa where he taught math and coached baseball. He played semi-pro baseball while he was in Lowden.

On June 15, 1963, he married Lorna Jane VerSteeg at the Presbyterian Church in Chariton, Iowa. They continued their teaching careers in Lowden, Iowa before moving to Ajo, Arizona in 1966. In 1969, Dean and Lorna moved to Tucson, Arizona where Dean had a math teaching position at Santa Rita High School. He also coached basketball and was Athletic Director from 1969-1983. He continued to teach there for 25 years before retiring in 1994.

Dean was a sports enthusiast who played many sports, with golf being his favorite. He followed the NY Yankees, University or Arizona athletics, as well as many other college teams.

Dean and Lorna’s first son, Mickey Charles, named after Mickey Mantle, was born August 21st, 1968, in Ajo, Arizona. Robert Keith was born March 18th, 1970, and Phillip Andrew was born March 11th, 1973 - both in Tucson, Arizona.

After retiring, Dean and Lorna accepted a teaching position in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where they taught from 1994-1998. While in Abu Dhabi, they traveled to several countries in the area.

Dean was the treasurer at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tucson from 1980-1992. He was a member for 56 years and was an Elder for the church.

Dean is survived by his wife, Lorna, married 61 years, his sister, Barb, brothers Don (Norma) and Dale, his sons Mickey (Andrea), Robert (Tania), Phillip (Denise), grandchildren Andrew (Michelle), Emily (Shane), Benjamin, Mathew, David, Sophia, and great granddaughter Laekynn.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Tucson, Arizona.

Memorial gifts given in Dean’s name may be given to the Immanuel Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund. Dean was also a kidney donor recipient and a donation in his name to Donor Network of Arizona would be greatly appreciated. www.DNAZ.org Donor Network of Arizona, Education Fund, 2010 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281 or the American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/