Richard D. Downing, 77, of Bellefontaine, passed away at 6:50 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus. He was born in Bellefontaine on January 7, 1939 to the late John and Wilma (Weatherby) Downing. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by a son, K.C. Downing, in 2012; and siblings, Eugene Downing, Joan Wiseman, Robert Downing, and Shirley Dipple.
He is survived by his wife, H. Marie (Anderson) Downing of Bellefontaine, whom he married October, 25, 1957. He is also survived by two children, Tim (Kathy) Downing of West Liberty, and Rick (Bobby) Downing of Columbus; Daughter-in-law, Joy Downing of Bellefontaine; sisters, Betty (Ron) Young of New Mexico, Bev (Jim) Mees, Martha Peters; and brother, Jim (Donna) Brewer, all of Bellefontaine. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Joshua, Chad, Jessica, Jane, and Beth; and 4 great grandchildren, Aden, Regan, Aniston, and Jennabelle, who always made him smile.
Dick worked at Mid-States Container before retiring in 2006. He enjoyed his “buddy” Maddy, who was always by his side, as well as camping. He loved attending great grandchildren’s activities, Aden and Annie’s sporting events, Regan’s recitals, and spending happy times with Jenna. Dick enjoyed watching “Westerns” and golf.
A gathering of family and friends will be from 2 - 4 & 6 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine, with Deacon Harold Dipple conducting a funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Bellefontaine.