F. Harold Downing M.D.

F. HAROLD DOWNING, MD F. Harold Downing, MD was born on February 18, 1904, to Elizabeth Shumard Downing and James W. Downing, a Fresno County rancher. He attended Fresno City schools and graduated from Fresno High School in 1921. He began college at the University Southern California and then enrolled at Stanford University where he received his MD degree. He practiced general medicine for two years and then completed graduate studies in orthopedics in New York and New Jersey. He returned to Fresno in 1937 and practiced orthopedic surgery until he retired in 1983. During WWII, Dr. Downing served as a Medical Officer in the U.S. Navy ascending to the rank of Commander. His tour of duty included the South Pacific where he was part of the battle of Guatalcanal. After the war he returned to his orthopedic practice in Fresno. During his career he developed specialized surgical instruments and procedures. His articles were published in medical journals and he presented his work at orthopedic conferences around the country. He is survived by his sister, Betty Downing Nixon; his son, Thomas Downing, DDS; daughter, Dimity Mueller; four grandchildren, Molly and Paul Mueller, and Jill and Eric Downing; son-in-law Dan Mueller, and daughter-in-law, Cynthia Downing. His many interests included astronomy and resulted in his contribution of the Downing Planetarium at California State University, Fresno, and perpetual scholarships for students in the College of Science and Mathematics. Family and friends are invited to a Memoriam for Dr. Downing at the Downing Planetarium at the CSUF campus on Sunday, January 19, 2003, at 1:00 p.m. Remembrances may be made to the Downing Planetarium or The Central Sierra Historical Society. NEPTUNE SOCIETY OF CENTRAL CA.CREMATION - MEMORIAL CHAPEL(559)222-7764(800)225-1604Lic. #1332