James Downing
Bethalto |
James Ruben Downing, age 90, passed away at 1:20 am Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Stearns Nursing Home in Granite City, IL..
He was born in Alton, IL on February 19, 1925, the son of the late Monroe and Bobbie (Smith) Downing.
Jim Married Doris Lee Thomas in 1949 she preceded him in death in 1964, he then married Rosalie Borders and she preceded him in death in 1984.
He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a die setter at Laclede Steel in Alton, where he retired from in 1987. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Alton, he was an avid square dancer, and a member of the LIFT program.
He is survived by a daughter; Nancy (Nan) Downing of St. Louis, MO, and a son; Thomas and his spouse Angie Downing of Belleville, IL, four step-daughters; Pam Marko of Godfrey, Jackie Corrigan of Tx., Sandy Karstens of Belleville and Susan Smithey, of Nebraska, one granddaughter; Windy Downing Stone and one grandson; Todd Downing, four great grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, and fourteen step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, spouses and a sister; Reba (Jewel) Kuelbs and brother; Walton Monroe Downing.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm, Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at the Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton.
Services will be at 1 pm, Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at the Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton.
Burial will follow at the Upper Alton Cemetery in Alton, IL.
Memorials may be directed to Parents and Teachers organization for exceptional children (Special Olympics) of Belleville.
On line condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
