Michael Craig Downs

Michael Craig Downs, 71, passed away Saturday surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born July 8, 1954 to the late Robert Down and Evelyn Craig Downs. He was a graduate of Bath County High School and attended Morehead State University. He married his lifelong love Joyce Thornsburg Downs and became a dedicated Farmer…devoting his life to the advancement of Agriculture in Bath County. He was employed by Delta Natural Gas for 42 and a half years, finally retiring in 2018.

During his lifetime he was a Member and served as President of the Eastern Kentucky Draft Horse and Mule Association, hosting the U.S. Plowing contest for the past 10 years. He was a Volunteer Leader with the Diamond H Saddle Club for many years. He was on the Bath County Fair Board, the Bath County Soil Conservation Board, the Bath County Extension Board and Council, the Bath County Agriculture Development Council, the Bath County Produce Auction Board, and the Watershed Board. This past summer he was inducted into the Bath County Agriculture Hall of Fame.

He leaves to cherish his memory His loving wife Joyce Downs; 1 daughter Andrea Nichole (Adam) Thornsburg of Olympia; 1 brother Robin Scott Downs of Richmond, Ky; 2 grandchildren Arrah Nisa Thornsburg and Kylesa Dawn Thornsburg.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one daughter Tiffany Michelle Downs; 1 brother Patrick Downs and 2 sisters Marcia Lynn Purvis and Patricia Downs.

Friends may visit from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday November 12th at the Mudlick Church of God. Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday November 13th with the Reverend Mark Caldwell officiating. Burial will follow in the Down Cemetery.  

Serving as active Pallbearers will be Jeremy Skaggs, Chris Roberson, Mitchell Moore, Phillip Downs, Johnny Crouch, Dustin Meadows, Tommy Johnson and Dennis Thomas. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Clint Orme, Darrell Baker, John David Caudill, Earl Rogers, Jr. , Gary Hamilton, Rob Amburgey, David Kinleyside, Bobby Rogers, Jeff Becker, Charlie Matthews, Matt Doyle, and Ronnie Thomas.

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