Ms. Joan Downs

Downs, Joan, died on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014, after a brief illness. Her loving spirit, warm smile, and generous heart will be greatly missed and always remembered by her family and the friends who loved her dearly. Joan was born in Harriman, TN on Jan. 2, 1929. She was the daughter of James Bart Wilkes and Jean Roberts Wilkes and grew up in Paducah, KY. Joan married Harry Gunter Simpson in 1949, and they lived many years in St. Louis, MO. After Harry's untimely early death, Joan remarried Charles M. Downs Jr. and they lived happily together in Wichita, KS until Charles' death in 2005. She was a realtor, interior decorator, the author of seven cookbooks and a business woman in Wichita. Wichita State University honored her on their Plaza of Heroines, which celebrates her lasting contributions permanently. Joan is survived by her daughters, Adele Simpson and Elaine Burkhardt; her son-in-law, John Burkhardt; her beloved grandchildren, McGarrah, Tyler, Jay, Leah, and Joel; and her granddaughter-in-law, Karrie. She was a member of PEO Chapter EM, the Wichita Country Club, a Board member of the Riorden Health Center, and the Institute of Logopedics (currently Heartspring). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the PEO Foundation, Executive Office, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E. 13th St., Wichita. For more information and to leave condolences go to: www.MyLakeviewFuneralHome.com