Robert L. Downs

Robert L. "Bob" Downs, 65, of Pemberton, passed away unexpectedly on September 12, 2026. He was born on November 23, 1960, to the late Thomas Downs and Theresa (MacDonald) Downs, a mother he spoke about so often and so fondly that everyone who knew Bob felt like they knew her too. Bob was Browns Mills through and through. He grew up there, stayed in the area, and collected a group of friends along the way that he held onto for a lifetime. Some of them he'd known since they were kids, and decades later they were still giving each other a hard time about the same things. He was a talented welder who spent his career at DEB Maintenance, a place that was never just a job to him. The crew there was family, and he was as proud of them as he was of the work itself. He could build or fix just about anything, especially if it involved metal or duct tape. Off the clock, Bob kept it simple: fishing, poker, his harmonica, and a cold Miller Lite.Rounding out the picture was his dog, Baloo, who followed him everywhere and never once complained about the music as he would howl with Bob’s harmonica playing. He was, above all, a family man. He leaves behind his wife, Merri (Mainor) Downs, and his daughters, Bobbie and Bailey. He loved his grandsons, Cameron, Chase, and Kobe, deeply, and loved spending time with them fishing on the creek. And he was completely wrapped around the finger of his granddaughter, Kassidy, who could always be counted on to give him a “Go Lucky” and get a grin in return. Bob is also survived by his brothers, Tommy (Loretta), Billy (Wanda), Michael (Marina), and Johnny (Freya), and was predeceased by his brother Joey (Tonya). Growing up in a house full of boys explains a lot about Bob including the loyalty, the stubbornness, and the sense of humor that never quite left. He'll be remembered for his steady hands, his easy laugh, and the way he made the people around him feel like they belonged. The poker table has one less bluffer and the harmonica is a little quieter, but the stories will go on for a long, long time. At Bob's request, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully welcomes donations to support the ongoing care of his wife, Merri. https://gofund.me/3f448180a

Robert L. Downs

November 23, 1960 - September 12, 2026