Donald William Downs, Jr.
November 18, 1941 – October 15, 2023
Donald William Downs, 81 of Chesapeake Beach, MD passed away surrounded by family on October 15, 2023 at The Johns Hopkins Hospital Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Born November 18, 1941 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Donald William Downs and Beulah Francis Mosely.
Donald graduated from Gwynn Park High School, Brandywine, MD in 1959. He joined the Prince Georges County Police Department in 1962, after serving two years as a Desk Clerk at the Upper Marlboro Barracks. Donald served for thirty distinguished years in the PG PD, followed by a four-year stint as Calvert County Deputy Sheriff, to include one year as a School Resource Officer, Forestville High School, Forestville, Maryland. Donald was an avid basketball fan and certified highly graded IAABO basketball (High School and College) referee for over twenty years. In his spare time, he could be found patrolling the Patuxent River as a MD Commercial Crabber. Donald’s awards included Man of the Year Forestville Boys and Girls Club, and Maryland Fraternal Order of Police Officer of the Year.
Donald is survived by his wife, Violet Arlene Seger, Chesapeake Beach, MD, and Children Donald (Donnie) William Downs III, daughter-in-law Lynne Downs, Michael Francis Downs, daughter-in-law Michele Downs, seven Grandchildren: Tyler, Devyn, DeAnne, Max, Dominic, Maddi & Luke, and one Greatgrandchild: Laina. Also surviving are Donald’s sister Barbara Humphreys and Janet Andrews. He was preceded in death by a sister Diana Osman.
Friends and family will be received at Rausch Funeral Home on Monday October 23 from 10:30 A.M. until 1:00 P.M., followed by a service at 1:00 P.M. All are invited to join the family at a celebration of life to begin at 2:30 P.M. at the Hall at Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department, 4030 Old Town Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald’s memory may be made to Emmanuel Church, Huntingtown, MD emmanuelchurch.tv (specify LIFE CENTER), or to Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) concernsofpolicesurvivors.org
Visitation
Monday, October 23, 2023
10:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Services
Monday, October 23, 2023
1:00 P.M.
Interment
- Burial
Monday, October 23, 2023
2:30 P.M.
Contributions
Emmanuel Church Life Center
PO Box 99
Huntingtown, MD 20639
Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)
P.O. Box 3199
Camdenton, MO 65020
Condolences
Sort Comments
17 Oct 2023
11:56am
Sending our condolences to Violet and family. Donald will be truly missed. Will miss all his funny stories and beautiful laughter. RIP Donald…you are now home with our Lord and Savior and Ray Mealy.
City
Huntingtown
State
Md.
17 Oct 2023
12:06pm
I did not know Donny for a long time, but the time I did spend with him will always be memories that will not forget. He had a contagious smile, twinkle in his eyes that made me feel welcome.
Big Donny will truly be missed. Both Violet and Donny were always had open hearts.
Blessings and Love to the family.
City
Santa Rosa Beach
State
Florida
17 Oct 2023
2:13pm
To Violet and family,
We send to you our sincere sympathy as we remember dear Donald, a true hero who served bravely as a police officer for Prince George’s County. Most of all Donald was a loving husband, father, and grandfather along with being a friend to so many.
He always loved to tell stories about his good times with fellow officers and had such wonderful memories. Donald knew so much history about people and events regarding PG County that he would share. Donald was so very proud of his immediate family and that of his wider police family. We thank him for making us feel a part of his world and the privilege of knowing him will live on in our hearts always!
Love and blessings to all of Donald’s family from all of us in the Richards family in Baden!
City
Brandywine
State
MD
17 Oct 2023
4:49pm
Violet thinking of you in this time of sadness. Donald was the best ever. He will be missed by so many people. Love you wishing we could be there for you.
City
Cape Coral
State
FL
17 Oct 2023
5:23pm
Donald will be missed, a great friend who worked tirelessly at Huntingtown United Methodist Church. Prayers for Violet and family.
City
Huntingtown
State
Maryland
17 Oct 2023
7:36pm
Dear sweet Violet,
Words can not truly express how my heart breaks for you and your family. Don was one of a kind. Always happy to help in so many ways. I do have to laugh how he wore me down to take over the HUMC home ministry. And it was a blessing I never intended for. He was a special and sweet person. He will be missed very much.
Our love thoughts and prayers are with you.
🙏💜🙏 Nick & Marcia Rusk
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
18 Oct 2023
6:53am
A real gentleman who will be missed.
City
Sunderland
State
Md
18 Oct 2023
9:15am
When we think of Donald, we always will remember his smiling face with a special mischievous twinkle in his eye as he told one of his many “stories”, and his love and devotion for Violet .
RIP with the Lord Donald.
Our heartfelt condolences to Violet and his family.
City
Owings
State
Md
18 Oct 2023
8:18pm
Robert A. (Bob) Phillips
The Villages, FL
Sending my deepest sympathy to Violet and family, at the loss of such a loving and special man.
ln my 25 years with PGPD, I had the opportunity to serve in the Special Operations Division – and to work with Donald – twice, 1 year as a lieutenant, and a few years later, 5 years as a captain, Commander of SOD. To me, Donald was “Mr. SOD,” and I say that will all respect and affection. I learned a great deal from him.
Donald had an interesting phrase that I had not heard before or since. When I asked him how a certain assignment or event went, he usually said “smooth as cake.” Anyway, I quickly learned that was a very good thing, and never bothered to question him about what kind of cake.
It was an honor and a privilege to serve in those roles, and to work with a great group of police officers and civilian support staff. Donald was at the top of that list.
City
THE VILLAGES
State
FL
19 Oct 2023
4:20pm
So sorry for your loss Donnie and family. You’re in our thoughts
City
Davidsonville
State
MD
20 Oct 2023
9:15am
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Violet and the rest of Donald’s family. Like Bob Phillips, I had the distinct honor and privilege to serve with Donald as a Commander of SOD. Whether it was handling a barricade situation, abortion clinic protests, Grateful Dead concerts, or sadly the many police funerals we handled, Donald was always a professional. I will never forget Donald’s commands as he was the voice of the honor guards at these solemn events, as we laid a brother officer to rest with dignity and respect. My assignment as SOD Commander was the highlight of my 25 years with PGPD, and Donald was an integral part of that. Like Bob said, I also never figured out what “smooth as cake” meant, but it was vintage Donald. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in the countless fond memories that his police family has of this fine man.
City
Little River
State
SC
21 Oct 2023
8:46am
To the family of Retired Lieutenant Donald Downs, please accept my sympathy, love and respect. I first met Lt. Downs when I joined the Hostage Negotiation Team and learn soon that he was all of what SOD was about. He often spoke about his wife and kids and of course The Washington Redskins. Lt. Downs will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in Heavenly Peace Sir.
City
Upper Marlboro
State
MD
22 Oct 2023
1:48pm
I pray you and your family will find peace and some comfort with knowing that your husband is in the arms of our Lord and not hurting anymore. My most sincere condolences and prayers.
City
Fredericksburg
State
VA
23 Oct 2023
6:20pm
Officer Downs would always brighten your day. Happy, sparkling eyes and always good wishes. I am sorry for your loss. I knew him from the Calvert County Courthouse where he was kind, caring and funny!
City
Port Republic
State
MD
28 Oct 2023
1:40pm
Had a lot wonderful memories of Cousin Donald from family reunions at assorted beaches with family around everywhere and one special family reunion at his Donald and Violets house in Huntingtown . Lots of crabs always will miss you Cuz. God Bless you and your family.
City
-
State
Maryland
28 Oct 2023
1:41pm
A most amiable school friend and I had some laughs with him and Violet at my second class reunion that I hosted. Joe Trogdon was telling about us the time Donald pulled him over for driving too slow on Route 5, in 1964. Mike Leary
City
-
State
Maryland
28 Oct 2023
1:43pm
What I admired most about him was how dedicated he was to his beloved wife Violet and his family. When he looked at Violet–you could see the love, respect he had for her…his face was filled with love. What a joy to see! My heart goes out to Violet and her family–good news–they had a wonderful man and now he is with God and the angels.
City
-
State
MD
28 Oct 2023
1:44pm
The way he would turn red from laughing uncontrollably at his own stories- it was the best!
City
-
State
MD
28 Oct 2023
1:46pm
My brother, Donald, was loved by many people. He devoted his life to his family, church and friends. His interest in, love of and compassion for others was shown in many ways as he helped them become the best they could be. Rest in peace, J.B, you will always be in my heart.
————————————————
City
-
State
MD
1 Nov 2023
1:42pm
I just happened to see this and my heart is now broken. Donald was one of the sweetest men I have ever met. I worked with him at the courthouse and it was such a joy. He absolutely adored his wife and his family. His eyes would shine so bright when he was telling us stories about his family. Of course, they would also twinkle when he was teasing us or telling us funny stories. After he retired, it was such a joy for me to run into him. He would tell me what was going on with all his grandchildren. We would reminisce about things that went on here at work and I would tell him how much we missed having him around. Next thing you know, we had spent an hour just chatting in the middle of Walmart! Donald, it goes without saying how much you will be missed by all those who had the pleasure to know you and to love you. I take comfort in knowing that you are in the arms of our savior and that one day I will see you again to catch up on all the news.
City
Port Republic
State
Maryland
4 Nov 2023
12:03pm
I am saddened to see the loss of another Mosely 1st cousin. Donald was always the distinguished policeman son of my giving Aunt Frannie. I remember enjoying the crabs he caught and shared at the Mosely annual family reunion in his MD garage. I know that he gave back to so many in his retirement years. RIP Cousin Donald
City
Kitty Hawk
State
NC
Sort Comments
Sending our condolences to Violet and family. Donald will be truly missed. Will miss all his funny stories and beautiful laughter. RIP Donald…you are now home with our Lord and Savior and Ray Mealy.
I did not know Donny for a long time, but the time I did spend with him will always be memories that will not forget. He had a contagious smile, twinkle in his eyes that made me feel welcome.
Big Donny will truly be missed. Both Violet and Donny were always had open hearts.
Blessings and Love to the family.
To Violet and family,
We send to you our sincere sympathy as we remember dear Donald, a true hero who served bravely as a police officer for Prince George’s County. Most of all Donald was a loving husband, father, and grandfather along with being a friend to so many.
He always loved to tell stories about his good times with fellow officers and had such wonderful memories. Donald knew so much history about people and events regarding PG County that he would share. Donald was so very proud of his immediate family and that of his wider police family. We thank him for making us feel a part of his world and the privilege of knowing him will live on in our hearts always!
Love and blessings to all of Donald’s family from all of us in the Richards family in Baden!
Violet thinking of you in this time of sadness. Donald was the best ever. He will be missed by so many people. Love you wishing we could be there for you.
Donald will be missed, a great friend who worked tirelessly at Huntingtown United Methodist Church. Prayers for Violet and family.
Dear sweet Violet,
Words can not truly express how my heart breaks for you and your family. Don was one of a kind. Always happy to help in so many ways. I do have to laugh how he wore me down to take over the HUMC home ministry. And it was a blessing I never intended for. He was a special and sweet person. He will be missed very much.
Our love thoughts and prayers are with you.
🙏💜🙏 Nick & Marcia Rusk
A real gentleman who will be missed.
When we think of Donald, we always will remember his smiling face with a special mischievous twinkle in his eye as he told one of his many “stories”, and his love and devotion for Violet .
RIP with the Lord Donald.
Our heartfelt condolences to Violet and his family.
Robert A. (Bob) Phillips
The Villages, FL
Sending my deepest sympathy to Violet and family, at the loss of such a loving and special man.
ln my 25 years with PGPD, I had the opportunity to serve in the Special Operations Division – and to work with Donald – twice, 1 year as a lieutenant, and a few years later, 5 years as a captain, Commander of SOD. To me, Donald was “Mr. SOD,” and I say that will all respect and affection. I learned a great deal from him.
Donald had an interesting phrase that I had not heard before or since. When I asked him how a certain assignment or event went, he usually said “smooth as cake.” Anyway, I quickly learned that was a very good thing, and never bothered to question him about what kind of cake.
It was an honor and a privilege to serve in those roles, and to work with a great group of police officers and civilian support staff. Donald was at the top of that list.
So sorry for your loss Donnie and family. You’re in our thoughts
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Violet and the rest of Donald’s family. Like Bob Phillips, I had the distinct honor and privilege to serve with Donald as a Commander of SOD. Whether it was handling a barricade situation, abortion clinic protests, Grateful Dead concerts, or sadly the many police funerals we handled, Donald was always a professional. I will never forget Donald’s commands as he was the voice of the honor guards at these solemn events, as we laid a brother officer to rest with dignity and respect. My assignment as SOD Commander was the highlight of my 25 years with PGPD, and Donald was an integral part of that. Like Bob said, I also never figured out what “smooth as cake” meant, but it was vintage Donald. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in the countless fond memories that his police family has of this fine man.
To the family of Retired Lieutenant Donald Downs, please accept my sympathy, love and respect. I first met Lt. Downs when I joined the Hostage Negotiation Team and learn soon that he was all of what SOD was about. He often spoke about his wife and kids and of course The Washington Redskins. Lt. Downs will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in Heavenly Peace Sir.
I pray you and your family will find peace and some comfort with knowing that your husband is in the arms of our Lord and not hurting anymore. My most sincere condolences and prayers.
Officer Downs would always brighten your day. Happy, sparkling eyes and always good wishes. I am sorry for your loss. I knew him from the Calvert County Courthouse where he was kind, caring and funny!
Had a lot wonderful memories of Cousin Donald from family reunions at assorted beaches with family around everywhere and one special family reunion at his Donald and Violets house in Huntingtown . Lots of crabs always will miss you Cuz. God Bless you and your family.
A most amiable school friend and I had some laughs with him and Violet at my second class reunion that I hosted. Joe Trogdon was telling about us the time Donald pulled him over for driving too slow on Route 5, in 1964. Mike Leary
What I admired most about him was how dedicated he was to his beloved wife Violet and his family. When he looked at Violet–you could see the love, respect he had for her…his face was filled with love. What a joy to see! My heart goes out to Violet and her family–good news–they had a wonderful man and now he is with God and the angels.
The way he would turn red from laughing uncontrollably at his own stories- it was the best!
My brother, Donald, was loved by many people. He devoted his life to his family, church and friends. His interest in, love of and compassion for others was shown in many ways as he helped them become the best they could be. Rest in peace, J.B, you will always be in my heart.
————————————————
I just happened to see this and my heart is now broken. Donald was one of the sweetest men I have ever met. I worked with him at the courthouse and it was such a joy. He absolutely adored his wife and his family. His eyes would shine so bright when he was telling us stories about his family. Of course, they would also twinkle when he was teasing us or telling us funny stories. After he retired, it was such a joy for me to run into him. He would tell me what was going on with all his grandchildren. We would reminisce about things that went on here at work and I would tell him how much we missed having him around. Next thing you know, we had spent an hour just chatting in the middle of Walmart! Donald, it goes without saying how much you will be missed by all those who had the pleasure to know you and to love you. I take comfort in knowing that you are in the arms of our savior and that one day I will see you again to catch up on all the news.
I am saddened to see the loss of another Mosely 1st cousin. Donald was always the distinguished policeman son of my giving Aunt Frannie. I remember enjoying the crabs he caught and shared at the Mosely annual family reunion in his MD garage. I know that he gave back to so many in his retirement years. RIP Cousin Donald