George Quigley Downes

George Q. Downes III entered his home in heaven on June 2, 2023 at the age of 94. He was born in Delaware County, PA and has been a resident of Garden Spot Village for 20 years.

The son of George Q. Downes, Jr. and Margaret Kunkel Downes, George married Jane Jenkins on August 24, 1952 in Van Wert County, Ohio. In August of 2022 they celebrated 70 years of marriage. He had one sister, Marjorie Downes Joire' who preceded him in death.

George was a 50 year member of the Marple Presbyterian Church in Broomall, PA, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and Elder. After moving to Garden Spot he served as an Elder at the Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church.

George represented Springfield High School in Delaware County as a hurdler on the track team, where he set some records at the time. George attended The Ohio State University and graduated from Pierce Business College. His interest in automobiles led to employment in several automobile dealerships, retiring as Service Manager at Videon Dodge, Newtown Square, PA.

In retirement, George and Jane acquired a motor home and enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. George also enjoyed following his favorite sports teams, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Philadelphia Phillies. He was an avid reader, especially books that recorded the history of World War II.

George is survived by a loving family including wife Jane, daughters Cheryl (Jack) Galan and Barbara (Lee) Diestelow, four grandchildren: Peter (Andrea) Galan, Lindsay (Zachary) Galan-Skinner, Eric Diestelow, Kevin Diestelow, and one great-grandchild: Joseph Rees Galan.

A service in celebration of George’s life will take place Saturday, July 22, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at the Garden Spot Village Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given in memory of George to the Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church, 4833 Division Highway, East Earl, PA 17519 or the Benevolent Fund at Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzer Avenue, New Holland, PA 17557.

Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.