Howell ‘Chris’ Coleman Downs

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(Dec. 25, 1941 - Oct. 27, 2015)

Howell Coleman Downs, known to his family and friends as Chris, died Oct. 27, 2015. Chris fought a hard and courageous battle with cancer and died peacefully at the Spirit Mountain Hospice House surrounded by his family. He was 73.

Chris was born on Dec. 25, 1941, to Mary Hester and David Downs, in Cato, Arkansas. His mother remarried Paul Tomkins, whom Chris considered as his father.

When his older brother Dave joined the Navy, Chris decided to join the Navy also. He did five tours of the West Pac and was in Cuba during the Bay of Pigs. He left the service after six years and was honorably discharged.

Chris made several trips to Wyoming and finally settled in Thermopolis in 1969. He worked the oil fields at Hamilton Dome until 1974 when he joined the Sheriff’s Department as a deputy. He went on to join the Thermopolis Police Department in 1976. He achieved the rank of sergeant and left the force in 1991.

He then moved to Cody to be with the love of his life and best friend, his wife Sharry. Chris worked for Filener Construction and then later Harris Trucking and Construction Co.

Chris was a man of self-taught talents and hobbies. He loved going to the gun range and was an excellent marksman.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman and also was very good at archery. Chris was an animal lover and leaves behind five furry children, who will miss the car rides.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, David and Edward Joe Downs and a sister, Marilyn Downs Gonzales.

Chris and Sharry enjoyed 23 years of their lives along with their children, Shawn Christler (Natalie), Stormy Mattson (Tom), and Sterling Christler (Debra); 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.      

Chris will be remembered as a kind, gentle and brave man who loved his family fiercely and lived a moral and truthful life.

No services are planned at this time, but there will be a celebration of life at a later date.

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