Ray Harrison Downing Jr.

DOWNING Ray Harrison Downing, Jr., 87, died Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Mt. Carmel Palliative Care. Born November 7, 1920 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Ray Harrison Downing, Sr. and Ethel Nellie Early. He is preceded in death by son Kenny, brothers and sisters Eleanor, Norma, Jack, James, David, Patricia and Helen. He is survived by beloved wife of 61 years, Frances; children, Ray (Jackie), Paul, Patrick, Jerry, David (Debbie), and Janell (Jeff) Bowling; dear grandchildren, Lindsay, Ashley, Melissa, Amber, Aaron, Katie, Emily, Allison.; and great grandchildren, J.D., Chase, Kallan, Amiya and Samantha; nieces and nephews, family and friends. He served in the Army from 1942 to 1945, is a former postal service employee, and lifetime member of the Whitehall VFW, Post 8794. He enjoyed gardening, bowling, golfing and was a huge Ohio State Buckeyes Fan. The Downing Family would like to offer special thanks to all the doctors and nurses at Mt. Carmel Hospital, his longtime cardiologist, Dr. Barresi and family doctor, Dr. Polonia. Friends and family may call at COTNER FUNERAL HOME, 7369 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Tuesday, October 7 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a service at 7:30 p.m. Private inurnment will take place at Glen Rest Cemetery on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Heart Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693 or the Arthritis Foundation, PO Box 96280, Washington, DC 20090-628 or (www.arthritis.org) or other charity of your choice. Messages may be sent to the family at www.cotnerfuneralhome.com Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries