Obituaries

February 1, 1939 to June 19, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - John F. Downing, 85, of Winamac, passed away at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, at Northwest Health in LaPorte.

Born Feb. 1, 1939, in Star City, he was the son of the late Harold and Margaret (Weaver) Downing.  He was a 1957 Pulaski High School graduate. He was U.S. Army veteran.  On July 17, 1965, he married Susan J. (Reutebuch) Downing. She preceded him in death on Oct. 5, 2020.

John Downing

Survivors include his brother Ken (Dianne) Downing of Burrows; children Gina (Steve) Baker of Winamac, Mitch (Robin) Downing of Winamac, Barb (Dave) Thompson of Winamac and John J. (Denise) Downing of Winamac; grandchildren Levi Baker, Le Baker, Keith Thompson, John R. Downing, Kurt Thompson, Bradon Downing, Anna Downing, Emily Downing and Cy Thompson; and great-grandchildren Madison Baker, Katilyn Baker, Coltin Downing, Michael Baker and Kyle Thompson.

He was also preceded in death by grandson Kyle Downing; sister Rosanna Doyle; and brother Robert Downing.

Mr. Downing was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pulaski. He was a lifelong farmer and worked for Rose Acre Farms. He enjoyed driving to and through farm fields, going out to eat, driving to check up on family, and trips to visit somewhere old to new with the intent of good conversation to follow. He also enjoyed a nice warm sunny day, watching birds and squirrels, playing basketball with his kids and grandchildren, watching a good basketball or football game, and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He was known for his warmth and glow to those he met and knew which were special gifts to those who loved him.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 23, at Rans Funeral Homes, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center where there will also be a scripture service at 12:45 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Monday, June 24, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pulaski.  Burial with military rites will follow at St. Joseph West Catholic Cemetery.

 Memorial donations can be made to the church in Mr. Downing’s memory.

An online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.