Downing, Ralph E. Jr. 1926-2012

DOWNING, BARKER, PALMER, BARNES, ZYLSTRA, INMAN, STUFFLEBEAM

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 11/7/2017 at 08:31:10

Ralph E. Downing
1926-2012
Altoona

Ralph Eugene Downing, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, September 27, 2012, at Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Ralph was born August 27, 1926, in Bloomfield, Iowa, the son of Ralph Eugene and Clemmie (Barker) Downing. He worked in the construction industry as a laborer and machine operator for many years, and retired from the Weitz Company. Ralph was a member of the IOOF in all branches of the Order, serving as Grand Patriarch in 2001-2002. He was also a longtime member of Rising Sun Church of Christ.

Ralph loved doing custom work with his skidloader. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races, and all sports, especially football. Ralph enjoyed camping and cooking, and will always be remembered by his grilling skills. Above all else, he cherished the time spent with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Evelyn Downing; children, Ronald (Cindy) Downing, Roger Downing and Nancy (Mike) Palmer; grandchildren, Craig (Pam) Downing, Ronda Barnes, Mart Downing, Holly Downing, and Stacy Downing; great-grandchildren, Tiffanny, Zach, Jacob, Antonio, Courtney, Cody, and Casey; sister, Sue (Marty) Zylstra; other loving relatives; and many special friends.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Harvey Downing, Marilyn Inman, and Jan Stufflebeam, and his parents.

The family will greet friends from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday, September 30, 2012, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, where an Odd Fellows service will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Monday, October 1, 2012, at Rising Sun Church of Christ, 6390 NE Rising Sun Drive in Pleasant Hill, followed by burial at Rising Sun Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church in loving memory of Ralph. ~ The Hamilton Funeral Home, Des Moines, IA 27 Sept 2012.