Leon Downen

Charles (Leon) Downen, 85, of Little Rock, Arkansas, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 27th , 2024. 

Leon was born on March 21st , 1938, to James Lloyd and Pauline Downen in the small farming community of Dardanelle, Arkansas, but he was raised in Gould.

On October 11 th , 1955, Leon married Nancy Phillips from Rosston, Arkansas. Leon and Nancy went on to have two boys, Randy (Kathleen) and Charles “Mike” Downen (Mary). Together, they raised their family in Sheridan, Arkansas.

Leon established Downen Oil Company in the early 1980’s. He was the owner & operator of the family business for over 40 years in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Leon was predeceased by his parents, James Lloyd & Pauline; his brothers, James “Jimmy” & Curtis Downen; and his son, Charles “Mike” Downen. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Randy (Kathleen); his daughter-in-law Mary Downen; and his brother Paul Downen.

Services will be held graveside at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan, Arkansas on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 1:00 PM.