Richard E. Downing, age 95, passed away Friday, December 4, 2015 at Ainsworth Hall of the Wisconsin Veterans Home.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 30, 1920 to the late Wilbur and Hazel (Rogers) Downing. He was a captain with 319th squadron of the U.S. Air Force, flying 40 combat missions during WWII. Richard also taught flying lessons in Lake Charles, Louisiana. His hobbies included woodworking, painting, scuba diving, and spending time with his dogs.
Richard is survived by a daughter, Barbara Granado of Arlington Heights, Illinois and her sons: Marcus (Erica), their children: Andrew, Alex and Liam of Lake Forest, Illinois; and Patrick of Bainbridge Island, Washington; and daughter, Janet Downing of Waupaca, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean; their daughter, Carol; and his second wife, Susan.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Maple Crest Funeral Home, with Chaplain Rich Engle officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial of cremains with full military honors will be held in the spring at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King. A celebration of life will also be held at that time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to the Aldo Leopold Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.