Lebanon, N.H. — Daniel “Dan” A. Downes, 74, a lifelong area resident, died Saturday, March 18, 2017. He was born in Lebanon to the late Lloyd B. & Adeline E. (Lacourse) Downes. Dan graduated from Lebanon High School, Class of 1960. He then graduated from Plymouth State College in 1965. He earned a masters degree in music education from the University of Vermont, in 1970. Dan was working as the music educator for the Hartford Vermont School system before being drafted into the Army during the Viet Nam War. He played in the Army Band at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. Following his discharge, he was working as the music educator for the South Royalton School System. Dan was a past conductor of both the Hanover-Norwich Community Band, and the Lyme Town Band. He was assistant conductor for the Joingy festival band, Joingy, France. He played with the Oompa’s & Ma’s Band as well as the Yankee Brass Band. In addition Dan held the position of choir director at the Community Lutheran Church in Enfield.

Dan was very much a social person who was involved with many civic organizations, such as the Odd Fellows, Elks Club, the American Legion, and the Yesteryear Motor Car Club, Soldiers Memorial building staff and the Lebanon Historical Society. He coordinated the weekly community dinners at the United Methodist Church in Enfield where he was a member and a Trustee. He also coordinated the annual Thanksgiving community dinner at Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon for many years. Dan made his home at Spring Hill Farm in Lebanon and owned Spring Hill Farm Upholstery. He taught upholstery classes at the League of N.H. Craftsman in Hanover, N.H.

Dan was truly a patient, creative and resilient man who found enjoyment in everything he did, from teaching, his love of music, to restoring his 1955 Ford Fairlane convertible and restoring the Spring Hill Farm that had been the family homestead since the early 1900’s.

Dan was predeceased by his youngest daughter Carolyn Jean Downes in 1994.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth “Liz” Downes; a daughter, Sue Williams; and two grandchildren, Olivia Williams and Jack Williams all of Lebanon; a sister, Doreen Whitney of Middlebury, Vt.; several nieces, nephews and extended family members in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

Family and friends are invited to Dan’s memorial calling hours on Thursday, March 23, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ricker Funeral Home & Crematory of Lebanon. His memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church of Enfield on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 1 p.m.

Memorial donations can be made to the Daniel A. Downes memorial Charitable Trust, C/O Vermont VA Credit Union PO Box 917, White River Junction, VT 05001

An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for Dan’s family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.