Jason Dehn Downs, 37, died Sunday, December 14, 2014, in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was born July 22, 1977 in Topeka, Kansas, to Bruce W. and Marilyn K. (Stepaniak) Downs. He attended school in Kansas City, Kansas, graduating from Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1995. Jason graduated from St. Louis University with a degree in Business Administration. Jason worked for the St. Louis University Law Library, and KU Medical Center; he was a 1st Sgt. at the Lansing Correctional Facility at the time of his death.

Jason was preceded in death by his parental grandmother, Betty (Bryan) George; his maternal grand-father, Melvin H. Stepaniak; and his maternal grandmother, Cleatus L. (Martin) Stepaniak. Jason is survived by his parents; paternal grandfather Joe F. Downs; stepgrand-mother Marion M. Downs; brother Matthew W. Downs; 3 nephews, Jorden D. Downs, Jayden T. Downs, and Nathan A. Shead; cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins; many friends; and a fraternity of brothers and sisters in brown.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Jason’s life will be held Saturday, December 20, 2014, 10:00 am, at Basehor Baptist Church, 3714 N. 155th Street, Basehor, Kansas. Cremation.

Memorial Contributions

Charitable contributions may be made to the City Union Mission, or the Salvation Army.