Tributes

Michael Adrian Downes was born May 9, 1945, in Los Angeles, California, and passed on October26, 2025 having built a life rooted in integrity, service, and love. He and his wife, Barbara J. Downes, shared 59 devoted years together. Their children—Angela M. Downes (James A. LaBarba), Robert P. Downes (Heather Downes), James M. Downes (Maddalen Downes), Zachary A. Downes, and the late Daniel A. Downes—carry forward his legacy. He also leaves behind grandchildren Ross, Ryan, Robby, Andrew, Christopher, Elizabeth, Catherine, Samuel, Henry, and Aspen; great-grandson Conrad; and brother Robert A. Downes (Barbara A. Downes). He was preceded in death by his sisters, Christina and Patricia, and his beloved pet dog, Lilly. Michael’s professional life was marked by ambition and craftsmanship. He founded Independence Mechanical Company, a commercial mechanical contracting firm focused on plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems for large buildings. Under his leadership, his firm was selected for landmark Dallas developments such as—Reunion Tower, the Dallas Convention Center, Thanksgiving Square, the Dallas Naval Air Station, Old Red Courthouse expansion, UTA Health Science Center, Hockaday School, and the Galleria University Club. His expertise also earned him the trust of notable Dallas figures, including Stanley Marcus, the longtime president and chairman of Neiman Marcus who helped shape Dallas into a fashion and civic center, and Mariano Martinez, the celebrated restaurateur who invented the frozen margarita machine, now housed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. During his apprenticeship, he worked on the Athena Towers and he was the superintendent for the Dallas City Hall project where he found part of a woolly mammoth tooth. Earlier in his career, Michael worked at the Dallas Zoo, assisting veterinarians Frank and Jack Brundrett, who were among the early pioneers of zoological veterinary care in Dallas. That role instilled in him an attentiveness to systems, care, and complexity that would echo throughout his later work. After his years building and running his company, Michael turned toward consulting—applying his deep knowledge of mechanical and process piping systems to computer fabrication plants, pharmaceutical facilities, and breweries. His expertise was sought across the United States and around the world, with projects that carried him throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including work in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Sweden, Singapore, and Dubai. Michael was deeply proud of his Irish-Scottish heritage and drew strength from his Catholic faith. He also pursued many interests of his own—he was a licensed pilot, an accomplished scuba diving instructor, and at one point served as a police officer. But above all, he was a foundation to his family: steady, inventive, and generous. His influence lives on in every person he taught, project he shaped, and community he uplifted. A rosary will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, October 29 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Pilot Point, TX, with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00am. Burial will follow at the St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Pilot Point, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael Downes memory may be made to the American Lung Association. Online condolences may be shared at www.slaymemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Terri Slay and Slay Memorial Funeral Center.

Tributes

Michael Adrian Downes

May 9, 1945 - October 26, 2025