Melvin LaBree Downs

Melvin LaBree Downs, 91, of Chattanooga passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2020. He was born on the grounds of My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown Kentucky August 15, 1928 to Russell Samuel Downs and Mary Myrtle Downs Barnes. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Melvin was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army. He graduted from the University of Kentucky with a BS in Civil Engineering. A prominent Professional Engineer, Melvin worked until he was 88 years old and worked for 14 months in Alexandria, Egypt. He was a diplomat with the American Society of Civil Engineers, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus; Member of the Chattanooga Engineers Club, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Downtown Sertoma Club and the Serra Club of Chattanooga. Melvin was known for his Amazing Breakfast and his one-liners.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Elgetha Piles, Nancy Howard and Peakie Coulter and a brother, Kenny Downs.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo Dolan Downs; daughter Rosemary (Kent) Carswell; two sons, Patrick T. Downs and Dr. Christopher J. Downs; four grandchildren, Patrick T. Downs, Jr., Jessica P. Downs, Lincoln C. Downs and Ashlee Kovalik; several nieces and nephews.

Due to the national health crisis, the funeral mass will be private at 1:30 PM Friday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Father Mike Nolan, Father Jim Vick and Father Mike Creson officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, 40 West Drive, Nazareth, KY 40048 or to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 501 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.