Obituary
Covan Grant Downs passed away peacefully in his home on September 1, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. Covan was born to Todd and Irene Downs on October 30, 1942, in Artesia NM. He had 3 sisters, Barbara Collins, husband Van, Delores Scrimshire, husband Wesley, Lillian Henderson, husband Bill. In 1959, when he 17 years old, he joined the Navy. While stationed in Long Beach, California he met and married his wife of 58 years, Karen Joyce Peterson. Together they had 3 children, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren including their son Scott Downs, his daughter Janice, stepsons Jason and Jacob and their brother Josh. His Daughter Kim Parrish, husband Doug, their sons Alex, Ric, and Bret. Grandchildren Daedric, Lilith, and Raiden. His Daughter Jana Donaghe, husband Tom, their sons Dustin, Matt, Brandon and daughters Jessica and Sara and stepson Tommy. Grandchildren Maddison and Caleb. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Covan spent many years playing guitar in bands with some of his greatest lifelong friends. He learned to play while he was on a ship in the navy. He loved to reminisce about his days in Hawaii learning to play his guitar. He also loved working with his hands. He worked as a diesel mechanic at the potash mines for 27 years and then later retired from Navajo refinery. He was always fixing cars for his friends and family as well as building and riding motorcycles. He spent much of his youth riding motorcycles with his friends. He was an avid outdoorsman. He taught his children to love the outdoors always taking them, hunting, fishing, and camping. More recently, he and his wife Karen loved to go ATV riding with their friends. When at home he spent his time building a beautiful yard and a huge garden that was always impressive.
In Death, he will be met by his parents, Todd and Irene, his son, Scott, granddaughter Janice, grandson Dustin, sister Delores.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life that will take place 1 pm Tuesday September 7 at 1701 West Main Street in Artesia NM. It will be held in the TLC building of West main Baptist church.
