William Francis Downes (born July 24, 1946)[1] is a retired United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Downes received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Texas in 1968 and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1971.

He received a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center in 1974.

On May 5, 1994, Downes was nominated by President Bill Clinton to a new seat on the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming created by 104 Stat.

His official portrait was painted by artist Michele Rushworth and hangs in the federal courthouse in Cheyenne, Wyoming.