Fredrick Leroy Downing

Mr. Fredrick "Fred" Leroy Downing, 78, of Gastonia and originally of N. Bloomfield, OH, died Saturday, August 3, 2013 at the Robin Johnson Hospice House. He was the son of the late Gordon Layton Downing and Angeline Mermon Downing. Fred is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy Thompson Downing, daughter, Debbie Downing Edwards of Grove City, Ohio and grandson Jordan Edwards also of Grove City, Ohio. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Angeline Downing and sister, Laverne Weaver. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia. Following the visitation, a graveside service will be will be held at 11:30 AM at Evergreen Cemetery in Belmont, with Reverend Dickie Spargo and Reverend Dale Lawing officiating. Fred retired from FMC Lithium Corp. in Bessemer City with over 20 years of service. He was a member of Bethlehem Church and was a US Army Veteran. He enjoyed spending time with his longtime buddies from the 8th Infantry division out of Fort Carson, Colorado and his dear friends from Bethlehem's Golden Agers Sunday School class. Memorials may be made to Gaston Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, N.C. 28054. Condolences may be sent on line to www.mcleanfuneral.com McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Downing family.