Willis A. Downs, 83, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died Friday, Feb. 28, 2003, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born March 19, 1919, in Charleston, son of Jesse E. and Bette Rogers Downs. He and Jo Ann Frazier were married Jan. 15, 1946. She died March 31, 2001.

He was employed as the city engineer in Charleston and then as the city manager until his retirement. He served as mayor of Charleston from 1982 to 1983.

He served in the U.S. Army 158th Combat Engineers, attaining the rank of first sergeant. He was a charter member of Charleston VFW Post 4294 and a member of the United Methodist Church.

Survivors include a son, Willis M. Downs of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Edward Downs of Cape Girardeau; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He also was preceded in death by a son and two sisters.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery north of Charleston, with the Rev. Roger Jespersen officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.