Major Royal James Robert Downs, II, United States Army (Ret.), 58, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 10, 2024. Born in Pittsburgh, he was raised in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.

Born a natural leader, Royal was so many things to so many people. He was a son, a brother, a hero, a husband, a dad, a mentor, a teacher and a friend. Royal started living his dream of military service while serving in his high school Civil Air Patrol. He enjoyed his membership in the Gateway High School Mens Choir and the ski club. Royal was a standout football player in high school and college, having graduated from Gateway High School and the University of Dayton.

Royal joined the United States Army in 1988 and served at many duty stations including Fort Knox, Germany, Iraq, Korea and was considered an outstanding tank commander. During his service Royal was also assigned to the Pentagon working directly in the analysis branch for the Office of Chief of Staff, Army.

Royal’s honorable service during his Army career earned him numerous military awards for his bravery and leadership. His military awards included the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and many others.

Royal earned his Master degree from the Colorado School of Mines as one of 5% of Army officers able to do so while on active duty.

Upon retirement from the Army, Royal continued sharing his passion by teaching future Army officers at Penn State University and later serving as a mentor to many throughout his work supporting the U.S. Army Modeling and Simulation Office.

He bled black and gold for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins throughout his entire life. He was a member of the VFW Post 1503 and enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson.

Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Autumn; his son Royal Downs III and daughter Leila Downs; his parents, Bishop Levi and Dr. Ruth Downs (PhD) and his brother, Dr. Levi Downs, Jr. (MD). Along with his loving Uncle and Aunt, George and Sandra Russell and cousins that he viewed as brothers and sisters as well as a host of friends and colleagues.

He had sincere thankfulness and gratitude to a dear friend; Pam Korsen for donating a very personal gift of life.

His commitment to his country was unwavering, and he was a source of inspiration to all who knew him.

A funeral and burial, with full military honors, will take place in Arlington National Cemetery. This website obituary will be updated as soon as Arlington assigns a date and time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.