Downing, John

1931 - 2021

We gratefully celebrate the life of John Edward Downing, 90, Reynoldsburg, Ohio who died on August 26 at his home with his family by his side. John was born in Wheeling, WV on July 3, 1931 to Catherine and Patrick Emmet Downing and was a graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Art. He worked at Gulf Research in Harmarville, PA from 19501955 where he met Doris Jean Ristoff. The couple, married for nearly 66 years, were organizing members of St. Pius X parish. John worked at North American Aviation--later Rockwell International--from 1955 until he retired in 1989 as a manager in the graphic arts department. John was a Korean War Army Veteran and his service was celebrated on an Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2014. John inspired positive qualities in his children and grandchildren--social responsibility, creativity, personal best, hard work, faith and loyalty. He neither made nor tolerated negative comments about others. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas Downing, sister-inlaw Irma Downing, son-inlaw Michael Millar. Survived by loving wife, Doris Jean; daughters, Christine Little (Gary) and Patricia Adams; (Kevin); son, David (Anne); grandchildren, Tyler Little, Adriane Marusic, Brice Little, Mackenzie Earley, Brian and Christopher Millar, Adam, Emilee and Olivia Downing; 10 great-grandchildren. John was an artist who contributed to many community projects such as Briarcliff neighborhood Tomato Festival floats

and St. Pius Mardi Gras decorations at Valley Dale. Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 10am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1051 S Waggoner Road in Reynoldsburg. Inurnment following at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family will receive friends at 9am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial

contributions can be made to the St. Pius X Catholic Church Capital Campaign. Obituary also available at www.dayfuneralservice. com. The best things in life aren’t things! Day Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Mr. John E. Downing.