DOWNS, DANIEL LEROY (1953~2003) Daniel Leroy Downs, member of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, was born February 1, 1953, in Brownsville, Texas, to Arthur Eugene and Yolanda Maria Downs. Growing up in South Texas, he attended Brownsville public schools and graduated from Saint Joseph Academy on May 26, 1971. He also attended Pan American University, now the University of Texas - Pan American, in Edinburg, where he received a degree in Law Enforcement Science in May, 1976. At the time of his death he was working towards a Master's degree in Public Administration at St. Thomas University in Houston.
After college, from July, 1977, to August, 1980, Daniel worked as the Director of Personnel for Cameron County, Texas, before joining the staff of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles in August, 1981. With Pardons and Paroles, he worked as a Regional Coordinator for Community Services, until June, 1987, when he went to work for Texas Reintegration Centers, Inc., as a Warden of a 300 bed correctional facility. He was later promoted to Regional Administrator, where he managed three correctional institutions.
On December 28, 1989, Daniel was appointed to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles by Governor William P. Clements, Jr. As a full-time board member, he worked towards setting policies regarding agency operations and procedures and making decisions concerning the denial and release of inmates within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the revocation of rights of those on parole. Daniel also took a public role with the Board; he served as the official spokesman and as a liaison with other state agencies and commissions.
At the end of his term, Daniel became a private consultant / mediator, where he worked with attorneys on parole and post conviction issues and investigations. He also advised private juvenile correctional companies on operations, human resources, and program compliance audits. Daniel also used his extensive knowledge of law enforcement and corrections when he began teaching in the Houston Community College System as a Training Coordinator of the Correctional Officer Training Center and the Houston Police Academy.
Also active in his community, Daniel worked extensively with the American Red Cross. He began volunteering in high school and eventually served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Houston Area chapter. He also supported programs for battered women and childrens' advocacy and took an active role in the Hispanic community.
Daniel Leroy Downs died suddenly on December 17, 2003, and was buried three days later in the Texas State Cemetery.
Information provided by Mr. Arthur Eugene Downs. |
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