John Downer

John H. Downer age 93, of Cambridge, OH passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born November 4, 1932 in Kipling, OH son of the late M. Harold and Marie Herka Downer.

He served and protected his Nation with the U.S. Army in the Korean War. John retired following many years of service from the Champion Spark Plug Company in Cambridge, OH. He kept up on politics and always looked forward to an informed conversation with friends. John was an audiophile, spending hours in his basement listening to his large stereo system. He also could be found using his camera in search of a great photo or out on the water sailing his boat.

John was a Corvair enthusiast; currently owning four. He was a member of the Friends of Corvair Club. John loved to travel, especially to a Corvair event or museum.

In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his wife Loretta “Lori” Downer who passed away November 13, 2022; brother Charles Downer; nephew Adam Downer; and a stepson Michael Cross.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters Erica (Fjodor) Downer-Haxhi of Cambridge, OH and Tonya Gatewood of Canal Fulton, OH; three grandchildren Jordan (Zach) Baird, Quaid Gatewood, and Matteo Haxhi; one great-granddaughter soon to arrive; the mother of his children Betty Cline; sister-in-law Linda Downer; nephew Mark Downer; cousins Dick Pavlov and Anna Marie Pavlov. He is also survived by many friends.

Cremation will be observed, and a memorial visitation will be held Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, with a memorial service concluding visitation at 11:00 AM at the Cambridge Christ Global Methodist Church, 2167 North Avenue, Cambridge, OH, 43725, with Pastor Frederick Osei-Manu officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Guernsey County Memory Gardens, 10171 E. Pike Rd, Cambridge, OH 43725, with military honors conducted by the Guernsey County Veterans Council. A luncheon will be provided following the graveside services back at the church. Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724 has been entrusted to care for the family. Please join us in remembering John by visiting his memorial at www.ChandlerFuneralHome.net