Ralph A. Downs, III

Ralph Aaron Downs III, born on January 30, 1947 in Mobile, Alabama, was sent to his eternal rest on June 17, 2025 in Springfield, Missouri.

Ralph is survived by daughters Charlotte Downs (Michael McAfee) and Martine Downs Pollard (David); son Ralph Downs IV; grandchildren Denise Pollard and Nelson Pollard; brother John Downs; step-siblings Harriet McElroy (John), Wayne Nelson (Cheryl), Keith Nelson, Gilmer Nelson, Susan Penick (Carroll), and Cindy Wage (Olin), as well as his loving partner Mary Bennett.

Ralph was preceded in death by parents Dr. Ralph A. Downs and Katherine Simmons Nelson; brothers Andy Downs and Richard Downs.

Ralph spent his first 5 years in New Orleans, then moved with his parents to Fort Smith, Arkansas. Ralph often spent summer breaks visiting family in New Orleans, a place that left an indelible stamp on his life and was a place of many happy returns for him. Ralph graduated from Northside High School in Fort Smith in 1965. He then earned a B.A. with Honors at the University of Arkansas in 1969.

Ralph spent many warmly remembered years living in Germany and England while serving in the U.S. Army (1970-1973) and subsequently studying under the G.I. Bill.

Ralph achieved many academic milestones including a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at Ball State, postgraduate research and lecture work at University of Southampton, and teaching psychology courses at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Ralph ultimately found his passion for law, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree from UALR William H. Bowen School of Law in 1993. He practiced law late into his life. His professional life was always dedicated to helping others.

Ralph had many interests which included spending time in nature, motorcycles, creating art, gardening, martial arts, studying history, and listening to music. He had a passion for travel, good food, great wine, and all things chocolate. A gregarious man, Ralph was known for making friends wherever he went and his talent for telling a good story. Ralph drank deeply from the cup of life, he will be greatly missed.

I’m walkin’ to New Orleans…

The service to honor the life of Ralph Aaron Downs III will be held on Tuesday July 22, 2025 at 10:30am, Fayetteville National Cemetery, 1000 S Lt Col Leroy Pond Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to University of Arkansas Veteran Impact Program (UofA Division of Student Affairs, Veteran Military Student Center, Attn: Gift Administration, 481 S. Shiloh Dr., Fayetteville, AR 72704), American Indian Center of Arkansas (aicago.org), or Doctors Without Borders. Tributes may also be shared on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Legacy Memorial website (https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/).

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com