Donald Robert Downing

Don was born on March 13, 1929 to John and Catherine Downing in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from St. Ignatius High School, he went on to earn a degree in Chemical Engineering at Northwestern University and was a member of the National Honor Society.

After graduation, he served 20+ years in the National Guard, achieving the rank of Master Sargent. Upon relocating his large family from Chicago to Richmond, VA, he worked for Reynolds Metals for 25 years and retired in 1992. While working for Reynolds he was instrumental in the research and development of the stay-on pull tab for aluminum cans.

In 1945, he met Shirley Joyce Downing, and they wed in 1951, going on to have 7 children, Kathy Oley (Joe), Bob (Lou), Bill, Jim (Kim), Dan, Ron (Sandy), and Jerry (Charlene). He had 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way.

Don was a great man, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world. Anyone who knew him knew that he was the most loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather a family could ask for and he will be greatly missed.

Don enjoyed family events, having good times, and keeping up with everyone. His witty comments on Facebook will be genuinely missed. He loved all sports; bowling and golf were his passions.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be sent to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund.

There will be a private family only service, Mass of Resurrection, on January 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Powhatan, VA, where his ashes will be interred in the Columbarium.

The Funeral Service will be live streamed via Facebook: Kathleen Downing Oley on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Funeral Service will be live streamed via Facebook:

Kathleen Downing Oley

Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. ET