Rusty Downs:
CLASS OF 1978
Shelbyville High SchoolClass of 1978
Shelbyville, IL
Rusty's Story
I hope old friends remember me as a kind, compassionate and descent person. I had a difficult time fitting in during high school. I just walked to a different drummer and have always and continue to be a very compassionate and caring individual. Many comments in my yearbooks said, "Don't ever change." Well . . . I really didn't change much . . . I just got a lot better and became more confident and built up my self-esteem which was very low due to family issues while growing up!
I have learned many trades during my journey so far. I have been a court reporter, typographer, typesetter, ad designer, graphic arts designer, cook, dishwasher, florist, salesman, church organist, director of music ministry, children, adult and bell choir director, minister of music & inspiring worship, manager of a print shop, secretary, caterer, construction laborer, physicial therapist technician, certified nurses aid and the list continues.
I have lived in Quincy, IL, Springfield, IL, Mercer, PA, New Castle, PA and Mattoon, IL. Currently I reside in Springfield, IL and have retired from the State of Illinois as a Graphic Arts Designer. Currently on a Spiritual Sabbatical and writing a book on the past 48 years of Music Ministry. Should be a very interesting read and hoping to share some wonderful experiences and lessons I have experience and been blessed with so far on my musical journey.
2013 was an exciting year for the Downs Residence. I am Blessed to have had Commission and Design a New Residence Pipe Organ by St. Louis Pipe Organ Company in St. Louis, Illinois. I have worked with this company with many various positions I have held which they serviced the pipe organ. It was a year-long experience of about 5 different stages throughout the year. Ending with a 9 Stop Martini-Style Unit Chapel Pipe Organ in my home! Just an amazing experience and blessing to have such a gift in my living room. It has been a life-long dream of mine and God opened doors for this to happen. I still pinch myself while setting in my living room looking at this marvel of an instrument. And yes . . . it makes beautiful music and doesn't bother ANY of the neighbors because of the well insulated home I live in!
I enjoy decorating, gourmet cooking, playing my pipe organ and grand piano in my home, spending time with my two dogs, crocheting prayer blankets for those in need and enjoying family and friends. I still enjoy crafts of many kinds and tend to be a homebody and enjoy the simpler things in life. I love going out to eat once in a while but enjoy spending time cooking at home fo...Expand for more
r myself and creating new dishes. I make a KILLER cheesecake . . . incredible cinnamon rolls and the best darn Carmels you'll ever taste! I also love making homemade noodles and making a home-cooked meal. I learned everything from my Gramma Kate Downs and can cook just like her. Sadly, she passed onto Heaven March 7, 2014. She was 92 and was ready to be with The Lord. I miss her dearly but have many of her things in my home around me and feel her love every day in my heart!
I have been very blessed in my life so far. I have been through many trials and learning experiences that would probably discourage most . . . but God allowed His Grace to shower me over and I have come through the valley many times a victor. Always asking the question, "What can I learn from this experience," instead of, "Why me . . . Oh Lord."
I have come to the realization that I was placed on this earth to Serve God and to not marry. I haven't met the right person or I guess I would have been married by now. It says in the Bible that if you can control your flesh that it is better to Serve God but if you can't control your flesh that it is better to marry. I guess you can see that by now, age 48, I have learned to control my flesh and have chosen to Serve God with a Joy-filled Heart!
I have many wonderful memories of high school and many frustrating memories. I will never understand why I was teased so much during my high school years. People can be so cruel and so ridged in thinking that high school is all there is. I simply trusted the small group of friends I knew I had and ignored the rest. I am thankful to those who were friends while I was in high school and have moved pasted the disappointment and pain of the rejection I experienced and that many others did too in my circle of friends.
Looking back, I have absolutely NO REGRETS and am thankful for each and every experience I had, good or bad. They each have molded me into the man that I am today. I am very blessed in many areas of my life but mostly blessed that my Heavenly Father, loves me and has a purpose for me through the musical talents that I was given at an early age. Music has and continues to be an anchor in my life and continues to bless others in preparing their hearts and minds for God's Holy Word each time I Serve Him on the organ.
I wish each of you God's Best!
In Christ's Love,
Rusty
I always wanted to be a model when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a bad idea. As it turns out, they were right and I didn't become a model.
Practicing the pipe organ or piano really loud!
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