Christopher David Downs

Christopher David Downs, 53, of Montoursville, passed away peacefully at the Gatehouse on October 22, 2024. Though his passing was unexpected, he was thankfully surrounded by his loving family.

Chris was born in Oneonta, New York, on July 18, 1971 a son of David and Joan Downs of Cogan Station.

Chris graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1989. He attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a focus on mass communications specializing in journalism. On August 19, 1995, in the Duke Center United Methodist Church, he married Kimberly Rae Regis of Duke Center, Pennsylvania.

Chris started working at The Bradford Era as a part-time writer in the sports department in 1990. He became Sports Editor at the Cheboygan (Michigan) Daily Tribune in 1995. He relocated back to Pennsylvania in 1997, assuming the position of Assistant Sports Editor for the Williamsport Sun-Gazette. He served in that position for seven years, before joining Little League International as the organization’s first Media Relations Manager.

Over the next 20 years, Chris served as Little League’s first Director of Publicity, and later, as its first Director of Constituent Communications. Though he enjoyed his time covering local high school and collegiate sports, his most special moments came in his professional experiences and acquaintances associated with the Little League Baseball World Series, played annually in Williamsport. His work at Little League spanned over two decades.

He enjoyed his work as a videographer, streaming local high school and collegiate sports, riding his motorcycle, watching his beloved New York Rangers and New York Giants, time with his dogs, and watching his boys grow up. He was a longtime supporter of Little League baseball and softball throughout Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Chris also served several years on the Board of Loyalsock Township Little League and Pennsylvania Little League District 12.

In addition to his wife and parents, Chris is survived by his sons, Brendan and Justin Downs; a brother, Todd Downs, sister-in-law Amy Downs, niece Madison Downs, nephew Tyler Downs, his Little League contemporaries, brothers and sisters of the “Little League Umpire” fraternity, his beloved dog Major, as well as other family and friends.

Chris was preceded in death by his father and mother in-law Raymond and Janice Regis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27513, or the Wounded Warriors Foundation, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

Chris’ family can take comfort in knowing that he is again sailing with his grandfather, watching sports with his father-in-law, and walking his dogs every day.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 28 at New Covenant United Church of Christ, with his college roommate, the Rev. Brad Walmer officiating, 202 East Third. St. Williamsport. A viewing will be held Sunday, October 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements entrusted to Sanders Mortuary.

Online condolences may be expressed on his memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com.