Nashville, MI
Howard J. Downing

Mr. Howard J. Downing, age 87, of Nashville passed away Thursday, November 26th, 2015 at Pennock Hospital, Hastings, MI.

Howard was born in Vermontville, MI on May 3, 1928, the son of the late Oliver and Margaret (Loftus) Downing. He was raised in the Nashville area and attended local schools. On March 27, 1946 Howard joined the United State Army. Howard served as a Sergeant in the 517th Artillery Division where he specialized in missile repair of the Nike Hercules Missile. While he was in the Army Howard married Conchita (Rodriguez) Downing. The couple was married Jan. 15, 1949 in Nashville, MI. Howard's military career took him all over the United States, but his family always maintained "home" in Nashville. During the early years of their marriage it was not uncommon for Howard to be stationed in other regions of the country only coming home to see his family on the weekends or when he received his leave time. Eventually, Howard was assigned to oversee the Hercules Missiles located in Pontiac MI, which meant he was able to stay close to home in order to respond to any necessary emergency. He retired and was honorably discharged on October 31, 1966 after 20 years of service. While in the service Howard was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, and 5 Good Conduct Medals. After retiring from the Army, Howard worked for over 14 years at the E.W. Bliss Company in Hastings.

Howard loved sports, and he especially enjoyed watching and cheering for the Michigan teams. Each week he would go through the TV Guide to ensure he knew exactly which teams were playing and when, so he would not miss a game that was on TV. Along with his wife Pat, the couple enjoyed putting puzzles together to pass the time during the winter. While his family was young, they enjoyed spending time together in the car taking long Sunday afternoon drives, often stopping along the way to enjoy many of the local sights.

Howard is survived by beloved wife affectionately known as his "Angel" Conchita "Pat" Downing, his five daughters, Dale Ann (Bill) Wall, Dorothy (Jim) Simon, Debbe (Kermit) Douse, Diane Lingholm
Deanna Kellogg, his three sons Howard Downing Jr., Donald Downing, Dennis (Mindy) Downing,
two brothers, Duane (Betty) Downing, Oliver "Babe" (Clarabelle) Downing, brother in law Jim Powers, his grandchildren Bill (Claudia) Wall, Mary (Mike) Darnell, Jessica Simon, Gregory (Courtney) Simon, Justin (Sandi) Douse, Marina Douse, Matthew Lingholm, Jennie (Dustin) Hillard, Ashley (Bob) Woodmansee, great grandchildren David Darnell, Austin Douse, and Bailey Douse.

He is preceded in death by his son in law James Lingholm, infant brother Leon Downing, his sister Elaine Powers, and step father Glen White.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at at St. Cyril Catholic Church at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 30th, with father Stephan Philips officiating.

The family will receive visitors Sunday November 29, 2015 from 2-4 PM, with Rosary service being conducted at 4 PM at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI.

Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service at Lakeview Cemetery Nashville MI, with full military honors being provided by the United States Army Causality Division and the American Legion Post 45 - Hastings.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or ASCPA to fight animal cruelty.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at Welcome to Daniels Funeral Home