John "Jack" Downing

John D. "Jack" Downing, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, at his home in Fremont, NH, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 28, 1934, in Weymouth, MA, the son of the late Charles Downing and Grace (Riley) Downing.
Jack grew up in both Weymouth, MA, and Chester, NH, and was one of ten children-a childhood filled with the closeness, energy, and camaraderie of a large family. After graduating from high school, he served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1952–1955 as a paratrooper during the Korean Conflict. Much of his service was spent stationed in Germany. Following his military service, he graduated from the University of New Hampshire's Thompson School of Agriculture.
On September 27, 1958, Jack married the love of his life, Lorraine (Metevier) Downing, and together they made their home in Fremont, where they raised their seven children. Jack was a dedicated painter and the proud owner of his own business, JD Downing Painting. Active and engaged in community life, Jack and Lorraine were longtime PTA members while their children were in school. Jack also gave many years of service to the Town of Fremont, serving on the Planning Board, the Zoning Board, and the Open Space Committee.
Jack and Lorraine built a lively and loving farm life, complete with animals and gardens. Jack had a particular fondness for his cows, which brought him great joy. He also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, pursuits that reflected his appreciation for history and detail. Most of all, Jack cherished time spent with his family. He remained close with his surviving siblings, attending gatherings with them whenever he could-moments he treasured deeply.
In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his wife on July 25, 2019, his siblings Charles Downing, Grace MacDonough, Paul Downing, and Joan Cahee.
He is survived by his seven children:
Theresa Blades and husband Donald
David Downing and wife Wendy
Mark Downing and Annmarie Liddell
Patty Stevens and husband Mike
Pam Valley
John Downing Jr.
Lorraine Porter and husband Butch
He is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, his siblings Richard "Dick" Downing, Kathryn Ransom, Stephen Downing, Larry Downing, and Robert "Bob" Downing, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who loved him dearly.
A memorial service with military honors will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Brewitt Funeral Home, 2 Epping St., Raymond, NH. Family and friends are invited to visit beginning at 10:00 AM until the start of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's memory to the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/