Lynn Alan Downs

Lynn Alan Downs, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away at North Oaks Medical Center surrounded by many of his closest family members and friends, on Friday, March 18, 2022, at the age of 68. He was born on July 14, 1953, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the son of the late Taylor Downs and Mabel Johnson Downs. Lynn graduated from Istrouma Senior High School and was a dedicated employee of JC Penny, Montgomery Ward and Sears for over 35 years. After he retired from Sears, he became a man of leisure for a couple years but was recruited back into the workforce by Neill Corporation. Lynn was an avid reader who loved cheering on the LSU Tigers, fishing at the family camp in Manchac, hunting at Outback Hunting Camp in Franklinton, telling jokes and spending time with his family and friends, especially the “Posse on Pine”-his neighborhood family. In the evenings on most days, you could find Lynn on the porch visiting with the neighbors, looking out for suspicious activity, gossiping and drinking his favorite beverage. His greatest honor in life was being Courtney’s dad and Melanie’s life partner.

Lynn is survived by his loving partner of 25 years, Melanie Mahler and their daughter, Courtney Lynn; brother, James "Bo" Downs (Betty); nephews, Stuart Downs (LaTanya), Case Cantrell, Cameron Doody, and Connor Doody; great nephew, Jaxon Downs; great nieces, Nora Downs and Ashlea Crayton (Derek); mother-in-law, Lou Cantrell; brothers-in-law, Brent Cantrell (Mary Beth) and Todd Cantrell; and sisters-in-law, Dawn Cantrell King (Dan) and Leigh Anne Doody (Roger).

In addition to his parents, Lynn was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn "Gay" McDaniel.

Lynn’s family would like to thank his cherished Posse on Pine neighbors, for their dedicated friendship and overwhelming support in his care over the years. Their generosity and love was unparalleled.  

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will begin on Wednesday at 6:00 pm, with Randy Ray officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lynn's memory to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Foundation at www.rheumresearch.org.

An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.