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Matthew Downing Obituary
PEORIA - Matthew M. Downing, 51, of Peoria passed away at 3:43 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2010, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born in Peoria on April 30, 1958, a son of Roger D. and Janet M. (Maynard) Downing. They survive. Matt is also survived by his siblings, Kathleen Downing of Fort Pierce, Fla., Michael Downing of East Peoria, Randal (Melinda) Downing of Wyoming, Mark (Jennifer) Downing of Pekin and David (Trina) Downing of Peoria; great-aunt, Cordelia Howe of Peoria; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and dearest friend, Celeste Stimeling of Peoria.
He was a graduate of St. Vincent de Paul Grade School and Richwoods High School, both in Peoria.
Matt was an autobody technician for the family business, Downings Campustown Autobody Inc. He was a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous.
A funeral liturgy will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2010, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 1010 S. Louisa St., Peoria, with Fr. Terry Cassidy officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Clary Funeral Home, 428 W. McClure Ave., Peoria. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Peoria.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Matt's memory to Rescue 33 in Chillicothe, the American Heart Association or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Matt's memorial Web site and online condolences may be accessed at www.ClaryFunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Downing
Bradley Everett
April 20, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Matt Downing.I had the opportunity to meet Matt back in Late 2007.Since then him and I have kept contact up every week until he passed away.He always said to me "We are going to be okay." My friend you were there for me through the roughest of times and I am truly grateful I know you.We all here are missing that laugh and that great smile.I thank you and we miss you my friend.
Denise Wood
April 19, 2010
Mark,Jen,Trevor & the Downing family. So sorry about your loss. You all will be in my prayers at this very difficult time. God will be with you in this time of healing. God Bless.
Scott Glaser
April 19, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless
Chris-Deb Shelton
April 16, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss,we knew matthew a short while.
phil hickman
April 16, 2010
from the hickman /peary family MAY GOD CONFORT THE FAMILY MATT YOU R IN THE HANDS OF A JUST GOD missed but not for gotten.......
Robbie Chaney-Cole
April 15, 2010
Matt, you always could make me smile my heart goes out to the family I am truly sorry for your loss I will always remember your friendship and you will missed.
rose nau( gagliardi)
April 15, 2010
I'm so sorry for your families loss.Matt was a wonderful person.I remember him when i was little my sister Janice used to live right next door to your families shop many years ago.He was always smiling and was a very nice guy.Matt will be deeply missed.
Beverly & Tony Tesch
April 15, 2010
Dave and Trina, The loss of Matt will weight heavy on your hearts. Just remember...he is in a better place. He touched so many lives...The long line last night proved that. I will miss his joking and teasing. Our prayers are with you.
Mathew,Kimm, Roger McKenna
April 15, 2010
Hey Matt WE ALL loved you and will miss you alot. Kimm will too, I was sick today and didnt go to school. When she came in my room to wake me she told me the bad news. I immediatley cried. The funny thing is I was just asking my mom to see the Beer Mug w/....OUR.... name on it. Thank you for the mug. I realize now I probably nvr thanked you for it. I loved you Matt. You and Johann were the only 2 friends I had when i would go to those BeeWolf meetings w/ My mom. Ur loved and missed. Good Bye Matt...
April 15, 2010
You have our deepest sympathy during this time of sadness. We met Matt when he purchased our house on N Dayton Ave. You could not ask for a nicer Young man. Bill & Paula Miller Portage, MI
Suz O
April 15, 2010
Matt the amazing friend and man who could fix everything but the crack of dawn and a broken heart. You were always there to make me smile and walk with me an extra mile. I will miss you forever. Thank you my friend. I love you.
michelle straker
April 15, 2010
Oh my God, I did not want to find out about this by being on the internet,I used to live on window right next to Downing auto body. My name was missy. Matt always looked after me and I used to get free rides by hanging out the window of his car. He came to my mother funeral. I love him and I am so so so hurt.
Todd Huxtable
April 15, 2010
Back at work from the visitation.
Shared ALOT of fishing stories, poker, but mostly laughs and smiles w/ Matt. Was even able to have some good belly-laughs w/ the family at the casket...The way Matt would have wanted it.
April 15, 2010
God bless and comfort you Jan and family. You were all an important part of my early life as neighbors and friends. I can't believe the young boy for whom I babysat has gone. It sounds as though his energy remains in the positive impact made on so many people. I'm so saddened by this news and pray for God's peace for you Jan. Love, Mary
Brenda Janes
April 15, 2010
Matt was not just a neighbor and more than a friend, he felt just like family to me and my kin. With always a smile and a kind word to say, he is truly missed day after day. My condolence to his family and all of his friends. RIP Matt
CHUCK ADKINS
April 15, 2010
MATT WAS A ONE OF A KIND INDIVIDUAL THAT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE AROUND. THERE WILL BE A HOLE IN THE FABRIC OF OUR LIVES NOW THAT HE HAS PASSED. MAY GOD HOLD HIS SOUL AS DEARLY AS MATT HAD TOUCHED SO MANY WHILE HERE. THAT WAS THE LONGEST LINE AT A VISITATION I HAD EVER ATTENDED. GOD BLESS ROGER, HIS WIFE, AND ALL THE FAMILY. A FRIEND.
michelle rodgers
April 15, 2010
u will be missed by many. there will be no other man like u. u were kind to everybody and always the first to help someone in need....god is truely calling home one of his angels....
Eric Holtz
April 14, 2010
Matt, you struck something in the heart of my daughter that no one else in Peoria had done. You will not be forgotten.
Chad Strind
April 14, 2010
Dear Matt, Right now you are probably mad at me for the amount of tears I have shed over the past couple of days. I know you are in a better place. But it always seemed like there was so much time left...That I could just tell you another day. . . Well today is the day . Thank you! Thank you for inviting Leia and I with you and your family to Starved Rock when I was newly sober. Thank you for believing in me before I believed in myself. Thank you for picking me up and letting me sit in your truck while you did a speaker meeting, When I was on my way to drink. Thank you for allowing me to show you, and tell you all of the crazy things I have done, or was thinking about doing, And having you love me anyway. Thank you for being my sponsor. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for being you! I will always have a piece of you with me. Love Chad
Mellissa R
April 14, 2010
Matt's smile and laughter were a welcome part of my life every time I spent time around him as I'm sure he was with so very many people. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the family.
Karen Crabel
April 14, 2010
Matt you have a beautiful family just like yourself. They were so comforting to me when I couldn't even hardly speak 2 words to them! I see you came by your beauty honestly. Love You!
Karen Crabel
April 14, 2010
I will miss you greatly!
Mary Weitzel
April 14, 2010
God showed Matthew the way into this program, and it was God that he found. Through all the troubles and triumphs, he turned his life around. My heartfelt love and sympathy goes out to the Downing Family and Celeste today. Now you realize what a miracle you brought into this world, Jan & Roger. May Matt's legacy live on through the people who knew and loved him. Blessings,
Peggy & Linsey King
April 14, 2010
To the Downing Family and all Matts friends,he will be missed alot and by many.He had a heart of gold!!and I will treasure the time I had with him and his laughter I will hear always.He was so awesome with kids,my daughter would go runnin to Matt anytime she would see him.I am sorry I couldnt make it to the visitation,flu.We are blessed to have shared time with him.I know he is with our Heavenly Father and will be at the pearly gates waiting to great and share that laughter with each and every one of us.I WILL MISS HIM ALOT.
Tina Edwards (C)
April 14, 2010
Matt, it was an honor knowing you. You were one of the most genuine people I had the pleasure to know. Rest in peace and thank you for all you have done and all that you were.
April 14, 2010
All though I didn't know Matt personally, he touched my life though my nephew, a member off AA. Matt had a truly profound impact on him in a very positive way. They say if you want to know what kind of person someone is look at the good he has done for others. I am so sorry for your loss.
A very Grateful Aunt
Erik R
April 14, 2010
Matt, you surely will be missed at the Riverside Group. Our Prayers are with the family.
Raymond & Jean Weitzel
April 14, 2010
To the Downing family; I was able to reconnect with the Downing family only last year though an unexpected passing of my family member. My siblings and I were childhood friends of yours and the Stimelings from the “North End” and through Church, school and play, had many fond childhood memories of Matt and his brothers and sister. We were young boys with our heads in the sky and limitless energy chasing after our Fathers’ model airplanes at Detweiller Park on sunny breezy weekends. Although time and distance may take us away from our roots, these are never greater than the memories we cherish from days gone by. In some ways they just get better with time. Matt will be missed dearly by all he touched in his life and will be eternally memorialized in the memories he has left behind. Never are these occasions the best of, but as we go on to mourn for our loved ones, we somehow brace for whatever else life has in store for us and forge on. Our Condolences to you all Roger & Janet, Kathleen, Michael, Randal, Mark and David.
Bob & Renda Minehan
April 14, 2010
To the Downing Family and friends, our prayers and sympathy go out to you during this time of tremndous loss. This world is a much better place because of Matt.
Danny & Carolyn Strand
April 14, 2010
Thank you Matt from my family, your other Peoria family and all those you have helped, and don't know you have gone to a better place. I'm so thankful you have entered my familes life and I will always be in your debt. RIP
Al.. Anonymous
April 14, 2010
Thank you Matt for all that you have given & continue to give. Our hearts go out to the entire Downing Family. You will be in our hearts & our prayers. Our heart go out to you also Andrea . We are sorry for all who lost .
John Newby
April 14, 2010
My condolences to the Downing family, and all of his friends. I met Matt in the rooms of AA, and he was always there to lend an ear and share his kindness with all. I will surely miss him.
Nicole Otten
April 14, 2010
Words can not explain how great of a man was Matt was he will be missed by so many people. I will pray for his friends and family as well as him. We miss you Matt
Lexxus Djimon
April 14, 2010
To the entire Downing Family my prayers are with you during this sad time.
Wow I had just seen him this past week.
What a great guy.
The Gang at Quantum Health
Tammy
April 14, 2010
All of your friends at Bee-Wolf will never forget you-Ever!
Wendy Sopher-Melaga
April 14, 2010
My deepest condolences to all of the Downing family. Matt was my best guy friend in High School. I met him in the summer of 1974. Matt called me this past Christmas and it made my year. I hadn't been in touch with him for a very long time. I will always hold him in my heart. R.I.P.
Rhonda Bayer
April 14, 2010
I named my oldest son after Matt as I always knew him as a very kind, loyal and generous friend. Matthew, Dale and I spent many years together as a family when we lived in Cedar Rapids. My heart goes out to his family along with my prayers. We will surely miss him.
Cindy Huxtable
April 14, 2010
Matt was an awesome guy. That laugh can never be forgotten. We will miss him.
MZ. KELLY~
April 14, 2010
JUST CHECKING MY SERENITY, HEY??? I HEAR YOU LAUGHING...I ALWAYS KNEW WE WERE KINDRED SPIRITS FROM YESTERDAYS OF PAST, YOU ARE MY LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS. I CALLED YOUR CELL TO LISTEN TO YOUR VOICE ONE LAST TIME, YOUR BROTHER ANSWERED AND SAID THE SAME THING. YOU ARE THE 11TH STEP IN MY HEART. IF I DROP THE KEYS TO THE GREEN CAR, I'M GONNA LAUGH LIKE CRAZY, NO ONE HUGZ AND LAUGHS LIKE YOU. SAVE ME A DANCE IN HEAVEN, MY FRIEND, AND AS THE WORLD BECOMES DARKENED WITH THUNDEROUS RAIN AND NOISE, SWIRLING WINDS OF CONFUSION, I WILL SIT STILL, PATIENTLY AND SMILE , KNOWING IN MY SPIRIT, THIS TO SHALL PASS. SPECIAL HUGZ FROM MZ. KELLY~ & HERCULES
Lola Adkins
April 14, 2010
Celeste, Roger and Janet and the rest of the Downing family..words cannot express the sorrow and sadness for the loss of Matt. He truely was one of a kind and how he could laugh. He was there for me many years ago and will always hold that special place in my heart. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Bambi Wabel
April 14, 2010
Not how did you die, but how did you live?
Not what did you gain, but what did you give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not, what was your church, nor what was your creed?
But had you befriended those really in need?
and how you were ready, with word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when U passed away.
Matt you will be greatly missed by all who new you and loved you.
Billye Keister
April 14, 2010
Matt, you touched my life you're a dear friend...I'll never forget you.
Jaime Smith
April 14, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to Matt's family and friends. Matt thanks for being there me. You will be missed.
Devon Morrissey
April 14, 2010
Matt u will be greatly missed in my life. It has been an honor knowing since i was 13. you helped me and others in sobriety. I just keep remembering your smile and your laugh.
Brian Kreiter
April 14, 2010
Matt your smille will be missed any time i was in the shop... you and your family have always taken care of me.. you will be missed my friend.
Mary Ann Vogel-Venardi
April 14, 2010
Dear Downing family and Celeste, My heartfelt prayers go out to you all. Matt has been one of the kindest, selfless and truly caring friends I have ever had. My trips home were never complete unless I spent time with Matt. In time I hope you will find comfort knowing what a blessing he is to all he met. I cannot come home, however, I am honoring Matt by doing what has brought him and I true happiness for many, many years.
Love and prayers,
Wesley Theobald
April 14, 2010
Matt was like a father to me and he meant a lot to me and he will always be remembered as an guardian angel to everyone that knew him and he will have his good motives carried on by the hearts he touched and will be greatly missed
Chad & Leia Strand
April 14, 2010
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all that are in mourning at this time. Matt was a wonderful, caring man who helped so many people. His smile, laugh and passion for life will be missed, but never forgotten. He changed our lives simply by being a part of it.
Mary (Flynn) Wilson
April 14, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss.
The Flynn Family
tanyiadee
April 14, 2010
I will never forget the smile that was always on his face, and the giggle that was always coming out of his mouth. His was a great addition to the AA community and will be greatly missed. I am a better person for having known him.
Linda Dissman (Etter)
April 14, 2010
Matt will be missed...
I still remember the great fun we had playing in the woods as kids.
Years later, he was always fun to talk to whenever I needed work done at the shop. I am sorry for your loss.
Johnny Ray & Kathleen S. Neding
April 14, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Downing family.
I will never forget Matt's smile.
R.I.P. Matt
Brian Loma
April 14, 2010
Thank you Matt for all your smiles. For always reminding me not to take myself to seriously. I will miss you friend.
Theresa Nordwall
April 14, 2010
I just started taking my auto to the shop and spoke with Matt at least once. I could tell this was a good family and am very comfortable when around the brothers. Was shocked to hear about Matt and my Prayers are with the whole Downing Family.
Barb Vanderheydt
April 14, 2010
What a sweetheart he was, he will be missed greatly.
Mike & Lori Stimeling
April 14, 2010
You will be greatly missed...You touched everyones hearts in so many special ways.
Patty Powers
April 14, 2010
What a beautiful, kind person and what a special place God has in heaven for him. I'm so sad to hear this but am comforted that he will always just be a smile and thought away. My prayers go out to his family and to sweet Celeste.
Jennifer Cunningham
April 14, 2010
My Condolences to everyone who loved Matt, which was basically everyone who came in contact with him. I will always miss him, but I will also remember him as the kind person with a great sense of humor. He made me laugh when I needed it and was always sincere when he said that he cared about anyone. He was a good man. I feel for his family and will keep them in my prayers. JEN C.
April 14, 2010
Our prayers are with your family at this time. Matt was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. He touched many lives and helped more people then he will ever know. He will be missed my many in the the program.
Dave and Lovilia B.
Ron Kingdon
April 14, 2010
I will truely miss coming in the back door of the shop, and giving Matt a hard time, what a Great guy he was.You have my deepest sympathy.
Bob Deiss
April 14, 2010
Mat will be missed so much. I don't think he even knew how many peoples live that he touched and made better. He was a good man. I will miss that smile and that laugh. We are all better people just by knowing him. Beewolf we miss you Mat.
Bob D.
Matthew Spitznagle
April 14, 2010
I would like to offer my condolence's to the Downing family, I knew matt through my parents that use to own a juice bar in the heights, We had a lot of laughs, and he was great to my parents. I am sorry for your loss!
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