Payette Enterprise
Thursday, February 11, 1915
BURT L. DOWNS PASSES AWAY
Burt L. Downs died at his home in this city on last Saturday, February 6th. While his illness was generally known, the announcement of his death came as a great surprise, it having been stated that he was improving and would be able to be out in a short time. Mr. Downs has been engaged in business here for the past eleven years and always was interested in matters pertaining to his home town. He was a member of Washoe Lodge No. 28, a. F. & A. M., and of the Modern Woodmen of America. He was also president of the Gun Club and Director and leader of the Payette band. He will be missed by a large circle of friends. Funeral services were held on Tuesday the 9th at the home on North Fifth Street, conducted by Rev. Reed, after which the remains were taken in charge by the Masonic fraternity and conveyed to Riverside Cemetery where the impressive funeral services of the order was given and the remains laid to rest.
As the casket was borne from the house to the hearse the band played Rock of Ages, and as the procession moved headed by the band they played Chopin's funeral dirge.
None of the brothers of the deceased were able to reach Payette. Two of them started but on account of snow blockades in Colorado were forced to turn back. Mrs. W. W. Goodrich, of Reno, Nev., a sister of Mrs. Downs was here.
Burt Louis Downs was born at Magnolia, Iowa, March 23, 1868, and moved to Pender, Nebraska in 1885. On August 13, 1890, at Pender, Neb. he was married to Miss Belle Osgood. Three children were born of this union, two of whom are living, Byrl and Leona. The family moved to Payette in 1903 and have resided here continuously since that time. He leaves besides a wife and two daughters, five brothers: Frank of Long Beach, Cal., Ray A. of Cedar Edge, Col., Geo. of Bloomfield, Neb., Will of Spencer, Iowa and Newton of Sioux Falls, S. Dak.
CARD OF THANKS
We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the members of the fraternal orders, the Payette bank, the members of the Payette Gun Club and the many friends who so kindly rendered us assistance in our late bereavement and for the floral tributes offered. Mrs. M. B. Downs and Family.
Fruitland Banner (Friday, February 12, 1915)
Dies From Heart Failure
M. B. Downs, a harness maker at Payette, died in that city last Saturday from heart failure. He had been ailing for several days, but his death was unexpected. He is survived by a wife and two daughters. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon under the auspices of the Payette Masonic lodge.
