JOHN M. DOWNER, LTJG, USN
John Downer '75
Lucky Bag
From the 1975 Lucky Bag:
JOHN DOWNER
Scotland, South Dakota
Lured from the innocence and simple pleasures of Scotland, South Dakota, to the fleshpots of Annapolis. Johnny Downer soon carved his unique niche in the hearts and minds of those with whom he came in contact (or collided). Enjoying the curses and blessing of a temper to match the color of his usually overabundant hair (with a caustic tongue as well), he time after time endeared himself to OOO's company officers, roommates, and Bible-beaters all over Bancroft. Of course life does have its rough spots — but what better to do during June Week than stare at the 8th wing parking lot? Lead driver in the toyota demolition derby, runner extraordinary, and a man who said, "Lips that touch liquor will never mine." Actually, under all that uncombed hair sits a fairly penetrating person, sometimes looking sarcastically at surrounding flora and fauna (especially the two-legged kind), and sometimes showing that humanity he often tries to hide. Navy Air (and maybe civilian line some years hence) will do well to have him.
JOHN DOWNER
Scotland, South Dakota
Lured from the innocence and simple pleasures of Scotland, South Dakota, to the fleshpots of Annapolis. Johnny Downer soon carved his unique niche in the hearts and minds of those with whom he came in contact (or collided). Enjoying the curses and blessing of a temper to match the color of his usually overabundant hair (with a caustic tongue as well), he time after time endeared himself to OOO's company officers, roommates, and Bible-beaters all over Bancroft. Of course life does have its rough spots — but what better to do during June Week than stare at the 8th wing parking lot? Lead driver in the toyota demolition derby, runner extraordinary, and a man who said, "Lips that touch liquor will never mine." Actually, under all that uncombed hair sits a fairly penetrating person, sometimes looking sarcastically at surrounding flora and fauna (especially the two-legged kind), and sometimes showing that humanity he often tries to hide. Navy Air (and maybe civilian line some years hence) will do well to have him.
Loss
John was killed when his A-7 Corsair II crashed near Naval Air Station Fallon, NV, on December 18, 1977. He was a member of Attack Squadron (VA) 122, which was stationed at NAS Lemoore, CA and temporarily detached to Fallon Naval Air Station.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
In eighth grade, he participated in track and football.John graduated from Scotland High School in 1971. That May, he pole vaulted 11-8 ¾.
He was nominated to the Naval Academy by Senator Karl Mundt, R-S.D.
He took his flight training at Kingsville Naval Air Station and married Sherri Struzick there in April 1976.
A memorial service for him was held at Corpus Christi.
He was survived by his wife, Sherri, parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Downer, and brother Glenn.
John is buried in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Scotland, South Dakota.
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