Thomas Elroy Downs, age 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 18, 2019.  He had fought a tough battle with stomach cancer with several complications.

He was born and raised in Marshall, MN on February 13, 1947.  He moved to California in 1966.  He held jobs at Parke-Davis (Warner Lambert) where he was a warehouse manager and Star Micronics.

He married Connie Dedrickson on November 5, 1967 and they had 2 children.  Connie passed away on April 15, 1982.

He married Donna Lind on January 18, 1986, who had 2 children and our blended family became one.

As the years went on Tom and Donna had a calling for Christian ministry.  In 1996, they served with Campus Crusade for Christ for 10 years and served in Germany at the World’s Fair

He and his wife, Donna founded Pathway to Hope whose mission is to equipothers to embrace the disabled community by providing training to Christian and non-Christian organizations.  Tom’s greatest desire is to see this mission continue.

Tom loved NASCAR and all forms of racing, volunteering at his church and bible studies, being a mentor and teacher, fishing with the kids and grandkids and just spending time with family and friends.  One of his greatest joys was square dancing with his wife and others.  He founded Hand ‘n Hand a Square Dance Club for the disabled community.  It originally started with 16 individuals and today has grown to 48 amazing special individuals.

Tom loved to share love with others and has many individuals he calls his own.  His love for everyone was always great.

He is survived by his wife Donna, son Tom (Becky) Downs, son Ed Lind, daughter Kody (Tom) Shade, daughter Alesia (Tim) Pedone, 7 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren, 3 Brothers and 1 Sister.

A Celebration of Life will be Held on July 7, 2019 at 2pm at Mission Hills Church, Mission Viejo.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to “Pathway to Hope” in his honor, so that his mission of supporting the disabled community can continue.