Obituary of R. Robert Downes

Mr. R. Robert Downes, 85, of Dygert Road, Palatine Bridge, New York, died, Monday, June 13, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital. Born on November 22, 1925 in Stone Arabia, NY, he was the son of Rutherford Ward Downes and Mildred Nettie Hinkle Downes. He attended the Town of Palatine Country School and Canajoharie High School. He was a lifelong area resident. Mr. Downes was the owner and operator of Romar Dairy Farm in Stone Arabia with his wife, Mary. He was an active life member of the Salem United Methodist Church. Mr. Downes was a member of the Farm Bureau. He enjoyed his family and liked to travel close by and far away. He was married to Margaret Jane Priest on April 21, 1946. She preceded him in death on July 19, 1963. On November 7, 1970 at the Fort Plain Reformed Church, Robert was married to Mary M. Wemple. Together they celebrated over 40 years of marriage. He is predeceased by 2 sisters, Esther Lamphere, Betty Klock; and his granddaughter, Cristi. Mr. Downes is survived by his wife, Mary Downes of Palatine Bridge, NY; 2 sons, Philip Downes and Jill of Stone Arabia, NY, Robert David Downes and Carol of Mohawk, NY; 5 daughters, Joan Bates and John of Poland, NY, Mary Przelski and Peter of Poland, NY, Diane McDuffee of Fultonville, NY, Louisa Downes and Blair of Palatine Bridge, NY, Rachel Grower and Jeffrey of Westernville, NY; sister, Doris Downes of Cohoes, NY; brother, Harold Downes of Canajoharie, NY; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 10:00am at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317 with Rev. Nancy Pullen officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, June 16, 2011 from 4-7pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery in Fonda, NY.