DONALD DOWNING

July 29, 1945 - Aug 23, 2012 OKLAHOMA CITY Donald Lee "Don" Downing, 67, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, August 23, 2012. Don was born July 29, 1945, in Oklahoma City, OK to Roy and Katherine Downing. Growing up, he loved to sing and play music. Don graduated from Harding High School in 1963, continuing on to OU and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he pursued his love of music, earning his Master's of Church Music degree. He went on to serve as the Minister of Music/Organist at several churches, then served and retired from the Oklahoma State Tax Commission after 28 years of service. He was also a member of the Master Chorale and a faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church and First Baptist Church, OKC. While he loved music, he loved his family even more. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Glenn, in 1971 and had three children, Dan, Matt, and Kate. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who will be greatly missed by his family and by the many people who loved him. Don had a unique way of finding humor in any situation. He had a love for people, and his wit and charm always made people laugh. He was always a joy to be around. Don is survived by his wife, Bonnie Sue Glenn of Oklahoma City; his daughter, Kate Downing of Oklahoma City; his son, Matt and his wife Melody Downing of Pflugerville, TX; and his grandchildren, Caleb and Collin Downing of Pflugerville, TX. He is also survived by his brother, David and his wife Dana Downing of Rogers, AR; and his five nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Dan. Memorials may be made to the music program of First Baptist Church, Oklahoma City; the Oklahoma Blood Institute; and Department of Pediatrics Cardiology of OU Medical Center. Visitation will be at the Guardian West Funeral Home, Oklahoma City, on Sunday, August 26 4-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 27, 2012, at 2 p.m. in Louise Prichard Chapel at First Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A special thank-you to the caregivers at Centennial Hospice and the Bellevue Nursing Center.