Thomas Joseph Downs, 64, of La Crosse, and formerly of Eau Claire, passed away Friday, October 2, 2009, at St. Joseph's Rehab Center in La Crosse.\r\nHe was born September 27, 1945, in Eau Claire the son of C. Thomas Downs and Eileen (Ellis) Downs. He attended St. Patrick's Catholic Parish&School, graduating from Regis High School in 1963. He attended UW La Crosse for two years and went on to complete an Associates Degree in Printing at WWTC in La Crosse. \r\nThomas completed a 4-year tour of duty as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force, also serving in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge, Thomas returned to the U.S. and worked for 10 years in Los Angeles, CA, before working his way back to La Crosse, WI. He worked at the Company Store in La Crosse for 26 years and made many friends there.\r\nThomas is survived by his sister Sharon (Loren) Sanderson of Peshtigo; nephews, Damian (Kristyn Mares) Sanderson of DePere, WI, Shane (Leora) Sanderson of Madison, and Ryan (Calli Cole) Sanderson and Aaron (Liz Goodman) Sanderson of Seattle, WA; and by his "darling" Sandy Tyson of La Crosse.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents.\r\nGraveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2009, at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire with Deacon Larry J. Agema officiating.

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