Don Downing

May 8, 2015 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2015 | 1 comment

Don Fredrick Downing, 86, of Prairie Village, KS died peacefully May 6th 2015. He was born in Clyde, Cloud County, KS, one of two sons of Fredrick Arthur Downing and Lola (Tiff) Downing. He was educated in the Glasco, KS public schools and later attended and graduated from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. He went on to join the U.S. Army where he served 2 years during the Korean War.

In 1951 he was married to the former Beverly Jean Lascala (Wickland) in Kansas City, MO where they had four children. He later married Constance Kay (Grant) in March of 1973 with her two children Kathryn Grant & Dalton Grant

Don Downing was employed by New York Life Insurance Company for over 50 years and was an honorary MDRT participant for over 40 years. He was a very active member within his church St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church located in Mission, KS. He also spearheaded the Haitian Outreach Program leading medical missions to Haiti over 30 times since 1984. Don was an avid writer and was a grand hobby of his for many years. He also was the proud author of the book “Hooked on Haiti” that contained short stories of his intimate travels to that region. Don and his family were survivors of the tragic Hyatt Hotel skywalk collapse that occurred in downtown Kansas City, MO in 1982.

He leaves his beloved wife Constance Kay Downing (Connie); his four son’s Stephan Downing of Thornton, CO; Thomas Downing of Gulf Breeze, FL; Michael Downing of Boulder, CO/Finestrat,Spain; Timothy Downing of Denver, CO; Kathryn Grant of Parkville, MO and Dalton Grant of Hollywood, CA and grandchild, Spencer Downing of Boulder, CO. He also leaves behind his brother Robert Downing of Hamilton, MT.

Please join us for a celebration of life that brought us all near and dear to Don F. Downing. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26th, 2015 at St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church located at 6630 Nall Avenue Mission KS with the Rev. Dr. Kevin D. Huddleston presiding. Memorial gifts in Mr. Downing’ memory can be made to the Haitian Outreach Program at St. Michael’s and All Angels Episcopal Church or to The Salvation Army of Kansas City. Assistance by Funerals Advocates, LLC.

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Jody Morrison

8 years ago

Don was an inspiration to me. In fact, he was a life changer for me and so many others. He was truly the hands and feet of Christ! Connie and Children, thanks for sharing him so generously with all of us! God bless him! Jody

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MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

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Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

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Amy E.

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Bill B.

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Paula H.

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Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

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Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

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