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David Downing Obituary
Born: December 18, 1955
Died: August 14, 2024
David Ray Downing, 68, of Tonica, passed away on Wednesday August 14, 2024, from COPD complications.
Private family services will be in the Hurst Funeral Home in Tonica with Rev. Phil Jackson officiating. Public graveside services will be 2:00 PM Sunday in Fairview Cemetery in Tonica with Rev. Phil Jackson officiating. Full military services will follow by the Tonica American Legion. A funeral dinner and celebration of David's life will follow in the Tonica United Methodist Church.
David was born December 18, 1955, in Salina, KS to Rev. Jerome and Ruth (Gnagy) Downing. He attended DeKalb High School, NIU and later the Ottawa satellite site of Aurora University where he and fellow educator and friend Bev Haverland achieved their masters in teaching.
David honorably served in the United States Army as a military policeman and became a Sgt. while in the reserves. While stationed at Fort Ord, CA, he married his love Yvonne Ditmars on March 14, 1976. Throughout his 31-year career teaching 4th grade, Mr. D or coach touched quite a number of lives. His former students would often pop in at Tonica Grade School to say hello, often with their children. A variety of jobs found many of his students touching Mr. D's life again as his eye doctor, dentist, physical therapist, EMT's, RN's, and Mayor of Tonica. David was an avid Fox News and Fox Business viewer, Big Bang Theory, Da Bears, and movies like; "Bringing Up Baby" were tops on his list, but he found most joy in spending time with his family, especially golfing and fishing with Ben.
David is survived by his wife Yvonne of Tonica, one son; Benjamin and grandson Marshall of Oklahoma, a granddaughter Audrey and great granddaughter Hadley of Texas, one brother; Joseph (Diana) Downing of Indiana, one sister; Dona Downing of Bloomington, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and Mr. Kitty.
He is preceded in death by his daughter Belinda, sister Marilyn Moody, and his parents.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Downing
Sponsored by Hurst Funeral Home - Tonica.
6 Entries
shawn sydlowski
August 21, 2024
I first met coach as a sixth grader on his baseball team in 1982. When he asked my name the only part he understood was "Ski" which is what he called me. Flash forward one year and coach is applying a tourniquet around my head from a baseball hitting me resulting in a trip to the ER and six stitches. Coach showed great insight and wisdom telling me Luke and Leia were siblings BEFORE return of the jedi came out. In my adult years conversations turned to the great cartoons Nickelodeon aired, classic movies such as "The spirit of St. Louis" and "Bringing up Baby", and how much money his tenure at Tonica Grade School was costing the local taxpayers. I lost my father earlier this year; this month I lost a father figure. I take comfort knowing Coach and Belinda are together again. My deepest sympathy to the Downings and Tonica Grade community.
Sue Hadley
August 19, 2024
Dear Yvonne, I´m so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of David. And of you and Ben. May God be with you
Sue (Roland) Hadley
Amanda Manahan-Moisant
August 19, 2024
Sorry for your loss! I will forever look back at my fourth grade and remember the best teacher papers that our class would sign and give Mr D! He will be missed and know that love is being sent your way.
Terry Warren
August 19, 2024
Oh, Yvonne, I'm so terribly sorry. I didn't find out until today (August 19th). David left an impact on the many lives he touched as a teacher and as a friend. He was my son Tom's favorite teacher. "Mr. D" had a way of making learning fun and for making all students feel a sense of belonging. Pioneer school at the LaSalle County Museum was an enjoyable experience for students each year. Museum volunteers mentioned to me that David was their favorite of the 4th grade teachers who visited each year, because of how he had students dress in period, carrying their tin can lunch boxes.
Gladys Alleman
August 19, 2024
So sorry Yavonne and family for your loss. He will be greatly missed.
Stay strong,God is watching over you. He was pillar in school to all students.
Peace to You.
Patti Golden
August 19, 2024
We´re so very sorry for your loss , our daughter had Mr Downing for a 3 rd grade teacher he was one of the best sending hugs & prayers, Carl & Patti Golden
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