David H. Downing

David H. Downing, age 88 of Higbee, MO passed away peacefully at his home on February 18, 2023.  David was born on September 11, 1934 in LaPorte City, Iowa to Bernice Arlene (Schrader) Downing and George Powell Downing.

David proudly served his country in the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division from February 1957 until February 1963.  David obtained the rank of SP4 as a light vehicle driver.  He received the Parachutist Badge and was Honorably Discharged.

David married Lila Rifenberg on September 6, 1957 in Moberly, MO.

David was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church.

David was a social, active man who was deeply involved in farming and family for the majority of his life. David enjoyed collecting old tractors and model tractors. He also loved attending Old Threshers in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. David’s family and friends will always remember him for his good nature and constant support.

He is preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

David is survived by his wife, Lila Downing of Higbee, MO, daughter, Susan (Barry) Schaefer of Moberly, MO, daughter, Robyn (Clark) Wilhite of Omaha, NE, son, Greg Downing of Springfield, MO, son, Russell (Tammy) Downing of Moberly, MO, granddaughter, Sarah (Jerrid) Hulett of Moberly, MO, grandson, Mason Schaefer of Springfield, MO, granddaughter, Annica (Chase) Molchin of Bloomington, IL, granddaughter, Tayla (Andy) Dragicevic of St. Louis, MO, grandson, Nolan (Kalli) Wilhite, of Raymore, MO, grandson, Gavin Wilhite of Lincoln, NE, grandson, Dallas Downing of Moberly, MO, grandson, Colton (Alaina) Downing of Columbia, MO, great-grandson, Cayden Hulett and great-granddaughter, McKenna Hulett of Moberly, MO, great-grandson, Ryder Molchin and great-granddaughter Malin Molchin of Bloomington, IL, great-granddaughter Emilia Dragicevic and great-grandson Oliver Dragicevic of St. Louis, MO, great-grandson, Liam Wilhite of Raymore, MO and great grandson, Knox Downing of Columbia, MO, brother, Gene Downing of St. Charles, MO, sister, Marian Rice of Moberly, MO and brother, Roger Downing of Lacrosse, WA.

A funeral celebrating David’s life will be held on February, 24, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, Moberly, MO with full Military Honors. Visitation will be held on February 24, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of PATHWAY-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, Missouri 65270 (660) 263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.