Welcome to the memorial page for
Robert Earl Downing
March 11, 1925 ~ April 24, 2017 (age 92) 92 Years OldShare using:
Robert Earl Downing, 92, of Taylor Ridge passed away April 24, 2017 at his home.
Graveside memorial services with military honors will be 2:30 p.m. Friday at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Those wishing to attend are to meet at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home & Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, Rock Island
Robert was born March 11, 1925 in Rock Island, a son of John L Downing and Grace M Durling. He graduated from Rock Island High School in 1943 and attended Augustana College where he held the high jump record for many years.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he attained the rank of 2LT and served as a navigator for the 64th Bomber Squadron. He married Reita Katherine Amy on February 10, 1951, and they enjoyed 65 wonderful years of marriage together. They loved to square dance and spent their winters in Arizona, living in Sunlife on “D” street. He was an avid Cubs and Hawkeyes fan, and enjoyed bowling, golfing and hiking. He enjoyed eating at Maid-rite, Whitey's and Harris Pizza. His family would often mail him a care package during their winters in Arizona. After his military service he worked as a clerk for the Rock Island Post Office and retired after 34 years.
Survivors include: brother-in-law, Richard H. Amy, Milan; nephew, Richard (Kay) Amy, Illinois City; niece, Reita (Michael) Kuster, Taylor Ridge; 5 great nephews; 1 great niece; and 12 proud great greats. He was especially close to two great nephews, Rickey (Krystle) and Matt (Chelsea) Kuster, of Andalusia; and great niece, Gail (DJ) Hahn of Rock Island. He was preceded in death by his wife, Reita, parents, brother and sister-in-law, John R. And Evelyn Downing and his beloved dog Snoopy.
