Shaun Thomas Downs a proud veteran of the United States Navy earned his angel wings on January 19, 2024 after bravely fighting neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer for nearly 7 years. Surrounded by his loving family, Shaun peacefully departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and commitment. Born on April 15th, 1981, in Dallas, TX, Shaun enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 22. Serving with honor as an ABH3 Airman Boatswain Mate, he worked as an aircraft firefighter as part of the Crash and Salvage Crew on the forward deployed Amphibious Assault Ship USS Essex (LHD-2) stationed in Japan. Shaun also had the honor of serving on the aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan. Throughout his 7 ½ years of service, Shaun completed 9 deployments and received multiple medals for his exceptional contributions. As fate would have it, he met the love of his life, Raquel M. Cruz, during his time in Japan. They happily married in Raquel’s hometown, Tucson, Arizona, and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Rozalynn and Charlotte.
As a devoted husband and father, Shaun cherished his role in his girls’ lives. He coached and watched his oldest daughter, Rozalynn play basketball, and made sure his youngest daughter, Charlotte had a great time at her basketball gym sessions. Shaun committed his life to his family and publicly adored his beloved bride, referring to her as “My Wife.” He enjoyed watching sports, playing golf and spending time with his extended family and friends. As a member of the Arizona Amateur Golf Tour, he won several golf tournaments while playfully bantering at tee time. Those that had the pleasure of knowing him laughed at his infectious jokes and sharp wit. He was a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan and fulfilled his bucket list dream of visiting Fenway Park with his family in 2018. He was a man of God, a caring father, and a committed husband that referred to Raquel as the beating heart and soul of their family. His tenacity, courage, love of family and God, and caring nature have left us with countless of cherished memories to carry with us.
Shaun had a passion for landscape design, leading him to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture. With a leap of faith and Raquel by his side, he started a landscape business from the ground up. As a successful owner of Sundown Design & Landscape, he poured his heart into creating beautiful landscape designs.
He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Raquel, and their two precious daughters, Rozalynn, and Charlotte, his parents, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
A Celebration of Life for Shaun will be held at Casas Christian Church in Oro Valley on March 8, 2024, at 9:30 AM MST. Internment will follow at 12:00 PM MST at Marana Veteran’s Cemetery. The family kindly requests green attire in honor of Shaun’s favorite color. For all monetary donations, please Zelle at (520) 981-4259. In honor of Shaun’s passion and in lieu of sending flowers, plant a tree in Arizona on Shaun’s behalf at https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/arizona.
Date: Friday, March 8, 2024
Time: 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Date: Friday, March 8, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery Marana
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Post an EventOur sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
I honestly can't write my memories of my uncle down because it wouldn't do him justice. He just made the day better with his jokes and hugs.
There are some amazing people out there! I met Shaun Downs in February of 2020, he made a first and lasting impression on me the very first time we met at Stonecreek Golf Course in Phoenix. I am saddened that I only got to know him for four years. Shaun didn’t have to be a friend that day, wasn’t my boss, peer, mentor, co-worker, supervisor, you know the people out there who are “supposed” to make an impression. Shaun was none of those, but he was truly a proud US Navy veteran, best father to two beautiful little girls, and an amazing husband to an even more amazing wife, and alls he was to me was a friend who would pick up the phone and call out of the blue to just catch up, a better friend in those four years than many I have had for forty years. Embrace, love, and care about those folks out there who deserve it, you know who they are, Shaun Downs was one of those people. There simply aren’t many folks like Shaun and I sure miss my friend! May God bless Raquel and the girls, I know Shaun is comforting them from heaven because that’s what guys like Shaun do!
Great man since the day we met him . Always authentic and always about his family . Will always be in our hearts and memories.
Shaun never missed a chance to volunteer in his daughter's class or for a pto function. He loved to help out and he loved to make people laugh. It was always questionable if he would say something that I would have to explain to parents later. He was an absolute joy to know and he leaves a legacy of his acts of service behind. He will be missed dearly.
My prayers to Raquel and the girls as they navigate their lives with their angel in heaven. ♥️
Our condolences to Raquel and family. Chaplain Gary and the Heartland Hospice team.
My deepest condolences to you & your family. May God bless you all with peace & strength.
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.