Jerry Ray Downard passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on October 1, 2022, from complications of diabetes.

Jerry was born to Ray and Lucile Downard in Price, Utah on August 6, 1939.  After graduating from Carbon High School in 1958, he served an LDS mission in the Southern states.  He then attended Northwestern Medical School in Chicago, IL. During his years in Chicago, he met and married the love of his life, Vonda L. Sullivan. They were married in the Manti Utah Temple on March 25, 1964. Upon completion of his Optometric training, he was drafted into the Army.  He served his country for 20 years, living in multiple locations that included, living abroad in Thailand and Germany as well as six different states.  He enjoyed traveling with his family and making lifelong friends wherever he went as well as learning the culture and tasting the fine foods along the way.  After retirement from the Military, he moved to Sandy, Utah where he made lots of friends and enjoyed spending time with family. He loved the outdoors and telling stories.

Jerry was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a strong testimony and love for Jesus Christ.  He served as Bishop, as well as many other callings in multiple wards and stakes throughout the years.  His life was one filled with love and service to all he knew and in many ways to those that he did not know.  He was generous and kind and his greatest joy was to make people smile.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Vonda; son, Bruce (Melissa) Downard; daughters, Holly Robertson and Jen (Matt) Miller; sister, Linda (Ralph) Dent; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Lucile Downard.

He was a great example of fortitude and positive outlook and he will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, 11:00 a.m., Silvercrest Ward Chapel (9119 South 1300 East, Sandy, UT 84093).  Lunch will be served for all those that want to visit with friends and family after the services. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Jerry online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Shriners Hospital; lovetotherescue.org where Jerry spent many days as a child.