Retired Lt. Col. Robert Grier “R.G.” Downs, 66, of Wetumpka, Ala., passed away Saturday at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Feb. 5, 1945, in Reno, Nev.

He graduated from Grove City College with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and served as a fighter pilot in the Air Force for 23 years. He was an accomplished fighter pilot who flew in many missions, including in Vietnam. He achieved many awards of valor and service during active duty including three Distinguished Flying Cross metals, two Purple Hearts, 17 Air Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, a Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and seven Vietnam Service Gallantry Cross metals. He also received the Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy for valor and disregard for self-harm by safely landing a compromised plane.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert G. Downs and Willivene H. (McCall) Futcher; and a stepfather, Harry R. Futcher, all of Bruin.

He is survived by two sisters, Debra Davis and her husband, Larry, of North Carolina and Pam Parks of New Castle; two brothers, Trace Futcher and his wife, Tammy, of Karns City and Joseph Futcher his wife, Ronda of Tennessee; and his wife Kathi Downs and their three children, Kelsi, Kaela and Kara Downs, all of Wetumpka, Ala. He also is survived by four children from his marriage to Helen M. Downs of Rochester, Robert Grier Downs Jr. and his wife, Kelley, of Karns City, Shelly Wilder and her husband, Hugh, of Texas, Stephanie Lowery and her husband, Allen, of Alabama and Jason Downs and his wife, Sharon, of Georgia; five grandchildren, Lindsey Callaway of Texas, Lauren, Jordan and Taylor Downs of Karns City and Kristah Dopp of Alabama; and numerous nieces and nephews.

<B>DOWNS </B>— Memorial services with full military honors for retired Lt. Col. Robert Grier “R.G.” Downs, who died Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, were today at the Frazier Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Ala.