William Downs

William Downs, age 84, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 5, 1941, in Akron, to Charles Dankanich and Alyce Radcliff.

Bill earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida and his Master’s Degree from the University of Akron. He then spent 43 years working as a chemical engineer for Babcock and Wilcox Research and Development where he obtained 28 patents.

A member of Union Avenue United Methodist Church, Bill was a member of their finance committee, the Pastor Parish Committee and United Methodist Men. He was also a former board member of Beech Creek Botanical Gardens, enjoyed gardening, genealogy and in 1995 was inducted into the Corporate Inventors Hall of Fame.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Penelope (Goodman) Downs; children, William Gregory (Toddie) Downs, Melinda Gay (Darren) Peck, Christel Lynne (John) Wetherstein and Michael Brent (Sheryl) Downs; brother, Steven Joseph (Anita) Downs; grandchildren, Will Downs, Liann Downs, Roland (Skye) Lewis, Stuart (Emilia) Lewis, Nathan (Morgan) Prioli, Jenna (Jonathan) Sander, Missy (AJ) Taranto, Nick (Kaylie) Deack, Allison Downs, Kelsey Downs, and Natalie Downs; step-grandchildren, Erik Peck, Amanda Peck, and Justin (Caitlin) Wetherstein; and 8 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Elmer Joseph Downs; infant son, Glenn Matthew Downs; and sister, Marlene Downs.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday February 14, 2026 at Union Avenue United Methodist Church. Friends may call one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Union Avenue United Methodist Church, 1843 S Union Ave, Alliance, OH, 44601 or to Beech Creek Botanical Gardens, 11929 Beech St NE, Alliance, OH, 44601.