Gary Wayne Downes

Gary Wayne Downes, 66, of Marlin, Texas passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Hewitt, Texas.
Gary was born in Marlin to Claude Downes Jr. and Shirley Rodgers Downes. He graduated from Groesbeck High School, class of 1977, and was active in marching
band, jazz band, the student council, and was a national honor society student. After graduating high school, Gary attended McLennan Community College before
joining the workforce. He worked in several industries, including management with Skaggs-Albertson’s, Piggly Wiggly, and Circle K convenience stores, as well as working
in water utilities in the Marlin area. His true calling in life, however, would come later. In 2003, Gary would take on the title of Funeral Attendant at Adams Funeral Home in
Marlin. For 22 years until his death, Gary worked without end in service of the families who chose Adams to care for their loved ones, taking great pride in assisting those
going through some of the darkest times of their lives with honor and dignity. In the mid ‘80s, Gary met Rhonda Afinowicz, who would go on to become his wife. Together, they
had one son, Colby. Gary was a dedicated Christian and member of the congregation at Eastside Church of Christ in Marlin. He was an excellent cook, and could always be found preparing food for gatherings of those he loved. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and was a fan of both college and professional football.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Rhonda Afinowicz Downes of Marlin. He is survived by his son, Colby Downes and wife Jennifer of Hewitt; stepson Brian Messman
of Waco, Texas; stepdaughter Kelly Flaugher and husband David of Port Orchard, Washington; parents Claude Downes Jr. and Shirley Rodgers Downes of Odds, Texas;
brother Gayland Downes and wife Kathy of Hallsburg, Texas; brother Greg Downes and wife Carla of Odds; sister Nora Downes Hunter and husband Randy of Kosse; sister
Nancy Downes Dennis of Criswell; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A visitation for Gary will be held Thursday, January 16th, 2025 from 5pm to 8pm at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin. A funeral service will be held Friday, January 17th,
2025 at 10am at Adams Funeral Home with interment to follow at Criswell Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Gary’s fellow staff at Adams Funeral Home; Colby Downes, Robert “Bobby” Drake, Russell Brown, Thomas Blann, William Wright, and Mike Adam.