Charles Francis Downing
1931 - 2025
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Dr. CHARLES FRANCIS "CHUCK" DOWNING
June 21, 1931 – October 15, 2025
Charles, 94, passed away peacefully at home in San Antonio, TX, on October 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alene Joan (Raba) Downing; his parents, Edward W. and Florence Downing; his sister, Eileen Spence (Ottomar); and his brother, Edward Downing.
He is survived by his children: Tafi Downing, Patrick Downing, and Michelle Downing Quiel (Herb); grandchildren: Preston Welch, Rebecka Downing Shuffler, April Downing, Hunter, Harrison, and Hudson Quiel; and great-grandson, Karsyn Shuffler.
He is also survived by sisters-in-law Rita Downing and Marie (Raba) Morgan; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of cherished colleagues, caretakers, patients, friends, and neighbors.
Charles was born in Erie, PA. His family lineage included nuns and priests within the Catholic faith. He attended seminary for one year before choosing a different path. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Radiology Technician during the Korean War.
He graduated from the Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science and worked as a funeral director at his brother’s funeral home, Zizik-Kearns Downing Funeral Home. Charles also graduated from Logan Chiropractic College and passed the Chiropractic State Board exams in Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Texas. He ultimately practiced in Texas, where he served as a devoted clinician to his profession and patients for fifty years.
Throughout his career, Charles held various district, state, and national positions within the chiropractic profession, including serving as President of both the Texas Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association. He was also actively involved in state and national politics related to health care issues and received numerous awards and accolades throughout his distinguished career.
Charles was an active member of many social and civic organizations. He served as President of the Parish Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Vice President of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society of San Antonio, and was a proud member of both the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Columbus.
He enjoyed reading, hunting, sports, and fishing. A passionate goose hunter, he cherished weekends at Eagle Lake with his best friends and beloved Labrador retrievers. Charles was a devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his unwavering Catholic faith, his service to others, and his deep devotion to both his profession and his family. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
A rosary will be held on Wednesday, November 5, at 4:30 PM, with Mass directly following at 5:00 PM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8134 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216.
Burial services will take place on Thursday, November 6, at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #2, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. Honors will begin promptly at 1:15 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Association – San Antonio Chapter.
June 21, 1931 – October 15, 2025
Charles, 94, passed away peacefully at home in San Antonio, TX, on October 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alene Joan (Raba) Downing; his parents, Edward W. and Florence Downing; his sister, Eileen Spence (Ottomar); and his brother, Edward Downing.
He is survived by his children: Tafi Downing, Patrick Downing, and Michelle Downing Quiel (Herb); grandchildren: Preston Welch, Rebecka Downing Shuffler, April Downing, Hunter, Harrison, and Hudson Quiel; and great-grandson, Karsyn Shuffler.
He is also survived by sisters-in-law Rita Downing and Marie (Raba) Morgan; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of cherished colleagues, caretakers, patients, friends, and neighbors.
Charles was born in Erie, PA. His family lineage included nuns and priests within the Catholic faith. He attended seminary for one year before choosing a different path. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Radiology Technician during the Korean War.
He graduated from the Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science and worked as a funeral director at his brother’s funeral home, Zizik-Kearns Downing Funeral Home. Charles also graduated from Logan Chiropractic College and passed the Chiropractic State Board exams in Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Texas. He ultimately practiced in Texas, where he served as a devoted clinician to his profession and patients for fifty years.
Throughout his career, Charles held various district, state, and national positions within the chiropractic profession, including serving as President of both the Texas Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association. He was also actively involved in state and national politics related to health care issues and received numerous awards and accolades throughout his distinguished career.
Charles was an active member of many social and civic organizations. He served as President of the Parish Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Vice President of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society of San Antonio, and was a proud member of both the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Columbus.
He enjoyed reading, hunting, sports, and fishing. A passionate goose hunter, he cherished weekends at Eagle Lake with his best friends and beloved Labrador retrievers. Charles was a devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his unwavering Catholic faith, his service to others, and his deep devotion to both his profession and his family. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
A rosary will be held on Wednesday, November 5, at 4:30 PM, with Mass directly following at 5:00 PM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8134 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216.
Burial services will take place on Thursday, November 6, at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, Shelter #2, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. Honors will begin promptly at 1:15 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Association – San Antonio Chapter.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Francis Downing, please visit our flower store.
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