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Everett Downing Obituary
WILMOT -- Everett George Downing, 81, died July 6, 2008, at The Clough Center, New London, after a long illness.
He was born Dec. 15, 1926, in Brookline, Mass., to Elsie (Knowlton) and Chester M. Downing.
He graduated in 1944 from Fairhaven High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1950 and his master of education degree from Northeastern University in 1960.
He was a history teacher for 31 years, including seven at Westport, Mass., and 23 at Sharon, Mass., where he had been head of the history department, and one year at Trinity School in Croydon, England, where he was a Fulbright Exchange Teacher.
In 1965 he received a Fulbright Scholarship award to study and travel in India for 10 weeks with 20 U.S. history teachers.
IN HIS LIFE: As a licensed minister with the Mass. Association of Congregational Christian Churches, he enjoyed preaching in 87 churches in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Illinois, Ohio and England. He has also given many slide talk shows about his travels. He lived in the Massachusetts communities of Newton, Fairhaven, Westport, Sharon, Foxboro and North Attleboro before retiring to Wilmot.
Memberships included The First Baptist Church of New London, Immanuel Community Church of Concord, American Legion Post No. 40 of New London, Massachusetts Teachers' Association, National Education Association, Massachusetts Association of Congregational Christian Churches, Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, Wilmot Historical Society, Friends of the Wilmot Public Library and Mansfiel (Mass.) Historical Society. His family includes his wife of 59 years, Ellen Mayhew (Gifford) Downing, a son, Bruce B. Downing of New London; a daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Edward Smith of Haverhill, Mass.; a daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Ellen and James Monahan of Norwood, Mass.; and six grandchildren, Susannah, Priscilla, Caleb, Edward, Michael and Daniel Smith all of Haverhill, Mass.
SERVICES: Friends may call at Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main St., New London, Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. A funeral service will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at The First Baptist Church of New London.
Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1833, Merrifield, VA 22116 or The First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 336, New London 03257.
Memories and Condolences
for Everett Downing
12 Entries
Paul Hanna
September 17, 2022
Everett was a man of honesty and great integrity. I served under his department leadership for 11 years in the Social Studies department..1969-1980. Shortly after I entered the ministry. I asked Everett a number of times to fill in as the preacher in the two churches I served in for many years. He was warmly received and my parishioners praised his preaching and leadership of the Service. In two fields .. Education and the Church he illustrated his knowledge and integrity to a high degree.
Deborah Homer (Makishi)
July 17, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of sadness and loss - may many joyful memories fill your hearts as you recall Everett's well lived life.
Ken Macdonald
July 14, 2008
I was very sad to belatedly learn of my Uncle Everett's passing. Like my siblings, I always enjoyed spending time with him and his family, and I have many fond memories of their old home in Sharon. He also gave the best slide shows I've ever seen, documenting his travels. I'm sorry I won't have another chance to see him.
kurt krug
July 9, 2008
My condolences to Mr Downing's family. He was quite a guy to make ancient history come to life in the 60's at Sharon High. See he served from 44-46 and might not have meant much to us high school students back then but thanks a lot now. Everett never mentioned it but most do not. Kurt Krug , Michigan. Go Blue.
Bill Moulton
July 9, 2008
When I was a student back in the 50s, Sharon was known for having one of the best school systems in Massachusetts. There's no doubt in my mind that Mr. Everett Downing, highly respected by his teaching colleagues, had a lot to do with Sharon's reputation. But I'll remember my Driving Instructor, Mr. Downing, as a friend.....patient, fearless, and full of humor...as he guided me through the streets of Boston. My thanks go to his family who shared such a wonderful teacher with me in the summer of 1959.
Peter Dehman
July 8, 2008
Ruth & Family,
I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was truly one of the finest and greatest educators that I have ever had. Many great memories of history class are still with me today. They will always be a part of me. I will forever keep them in my heart.
David Macdonald
July 8, 2008
I'll be waiting for the slide show from Heaven.........
my Uncle Everett was one happy fella. There's a lesson in that.
James Macdonald
July 8, 2008
I miss you Uncle Everett. To Nancy's memory's of the swing in Sharon, I add mine of the old canvas hammock in West Tisbury. Back in 1957, Uncle Everett, you were one of us kids, just bigger than the rest of us. See you again in the proper time, love, Jim
joan kniager
July 8, 2008
My condolances are being sent to you. I remember Mr. Downing from the HS. My three sons went there and I worked there when he was there. I remember him as a very nice and caring teacher. Sorry to read of his passing. May time heal your sorrow.
The Staff of Chadwick Funeral Service
July 8, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Stephen & Marcia Downing
July 7, 2008
Happy family memories
Nancy Macdonald
July 7, 2008
My fondest memories are of the tree swing at 21 Bluff Head.
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