C. Thomas Downs, 95, of Peshtigo and formerly of Eau Claire died on Thursday, April 6, 2006, at Rennes Health Center West in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. He was born March 6, 1911 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the son of the late Thomas and Leona (Dana) Downs. \r\nHe graduated from Notre Dame University in 1933 and Marquette Law School in 1935.\r\nDuring World War II, he worked as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Army Ordinance Board in Washington D.C. He practiced law for a total of 42 years in Fond du Lac, Rhinelander, and Eau Claire.\r\nFor approximately eight years, he served on the Eau Claire County Board. He had been a long-time member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire and more recently attended St. Mary's parish in Peshtigo. Over the years, he served two terms as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, John F. Kennedy Council #1257, Eau Claire.\r\nThomas is survived by his daughter, Sharon (a special son-in-law Loren) Sanderson of Peshtigo, WI; son, Thomas J. Downs of La Crosse, WI; four grandsons, Damian Sanderson of Bloomington, IN, Ryan of Seattle, WA and Aaron Sanderson of Milwaukee, WI, and Shane (Leora) Sanderson of Escanaba, MI.\r\nBesides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eileen (Ellis) Downs of Eau Claire; and his sister, Genevieve Tooley of Milwaukee.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home with Father William A. Dhein officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Eau Claire. Family and friends may call one hour prior to services Tuesday at the funeral home. \r\nIn lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory may be given to the American Cancer Society, 2427 N. Hillcrest Pkwy. Suite #7, Altoona, WI 54720.\r\n

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