Thomas Edwin Dr. Downs

Thomas Edwin Downs, who in his 50 year career in dentistry treated each patient as a friend, died March 3, 2017. He was 74 years old. Tom is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gretchen Downs; and his two daughters, Becky Downs Beebe and Abby (Bret) Kravitz; grandchildren, Macie Downs, Thomas Beebe, James Beebe, and Nicholas Beebe. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Dorthea Downs. Tom graduated from Fostoria High School. He received a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University. After graduation, Tom practiced dentistry as a Captain for the U.S. Army serving in Taegu, Korea and Colorado Springs. He opened his Perrysburg practice in 1972. Tom loved practicing dentistry and was committed to providing the best care possible to his patients in a kind and gentle manner, which often included humming a tune. Tom had a strong sense of community. He was an active member of Perrysburg Rotary, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a Ruling Elder. He was a board member of: Historic Perrysburg, Perrysburg Symphonic Orchestra, and Hamlet Association. His passions included his family, close friends, skiing, traveling, clean cars, and THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES. Anyone who had the opportunity to have Tom as their friend was a better person because of his friendship. His whistling, dancing, and infectious smile will be sadly missed. Friends will be received Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 4-8 P.M. at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, Ohio (419-874-3133). A celebration of Tom’s life will be held Friday, March 10, 2017 at 11 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church of Perrysburg, 200 E. Second Street, Perrysburg, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in honor of Tom Downs to “Surgery Initiatives/Excel Fund (Fund #315615)”. Contributions can be mailed to the Department of Surgery, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, 660 Ackerman Road, 6th Floor P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218.