Edward Bradley Downs

Edward Bradley Downs, 59, peacefully went home to the Lord on August 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his daughters. Born on October 5, 1966, in South Bend, Brad was raised with the love and support of his grandmother, Betty, as well as Henry, a grandfather figure who served as a positive and influential male role model throughout his life.

Brad proudly graduated from Penn High School with the Class of 1985. He went on to marry Tron Gray on September 4, 1993, and together they welcomed their daughters, Jesseca, Jaci, and Jena. Through the years, their passion for travel and visiting national parks flourished. After their separation, Brad and Tron remained lifelong friends, always ensuring their daughters stayed at the center of their world.

Above all, Brad was an incredibly dedicated father. His daughters were his greatest source of pride, and he never missed an opportunity to teach them about life, love, and the importance of family and friendship. Through both his words and the way he lived, he taught them compassion, courage, strength, integrity, empathy, responsibility, honesty, and respect. He constantly encouraged his girls to be their best, to stand strong through adversity, and to never give up. In his final days, Brad found his greatest peace surrounded by his daughters. They were his “bliss,” and being together brought him comfort when it mattered most—a reflection of the immeasurable place they held in his heart.

A true handyman and jack-of-all-trades, Brad will be remembered for his ability to turn on some classic rock and fix anything in front of him. With experience in construction, repairing cars, and working as a diesel mechanic, there wasn’t anything Brad couldn’t set his mind to and achieve. Brad worked as a band builder at Hoosier Racing Tire for several years and most recently held a role at Topp Industries in Rochester as a welder.

Brad dedicated himself to shaping local youth through his role as a wrestling and football coach in the Culver, Knox, and LaVille school systems. He left a lasting impression and made lifelong connections with the children he coached, sharing his own knowledge and experience as an 11-time state champion. His impact as a coach extended to his own children, whom he coached in the Plymouth Youth Softball League for many years.

In recent years, Brad found love with Kimberly Bean, sharing precious moments and creating lasting memories together.

Brad will forever be remembered for his courageous spirit and stubborn personality, always fighting for what he believed in and for those he loved. He was a survivor at heart and turned adversity throughout his life into opportunity. Brad leaves behind a legacy of living each day to the fullest, loving deeply, and never taking a moment for granted.

Brad is survived by his daughters, Jesseca Downs, Jaci (Lucas) McCallen, and Jena Downs, along with their mother, Tron Saxton; grandchildren, Lyrik, Zayne, Keagen, Graece, and LJ; and his partner, Kimberly Bean.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and siblings.

Per Brad’s wishes, no formal services will be held.