Raymond Downing Sr.

Raymond Downing was born October 14, 1941 in Campton, New Hampshire to late Chester Earl Downing and Harriet Alice Merrill. He was the 7th of 9 children. Ray developed a strong worth ethic from working with his father and brothers cutting and hauling lumber.

Raymond was a Vietnam Veteran who proudly served his country in the Armed Forces. He traveled the world and touched the hearts of many. While living in San Antonio, TX Ray received employment from Judson Candy Company where he met the love of his life Celia Tapia. After insistent courting they wed on October 11, 1975 at the Little Church of La Villita. They just celebrated their 45th anniversary. Together they had 3 children, Sandra Downing Rios, Dianna Downing Perez, and Raymond Downing Jr.

In Ray’s later years he was ecstatic to reconnect with his son John Maiquez, wife Christina (KiKi) Maiquez, grandson Jimmy, and granddaughter Laury from France. He was overjoyed with gratitude for the time spent talking, visiting, and video chatting with them. He never stopped talking about how grateful he was for the opportunity to be a part of their lives.

Ray loved raising a family and caring for others. Some of his favorite times was watching his children play, seeing his grandchildren grow older, and being a firm and wise counsel to his children into their adult years. Ray kept smiling with his head high, facing each new challenge in stride and with high spirits. His optimism, drive, and overwhelming love for his wife, children, and grandkids carried him through his final breath. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. He had a sharp sense of humor, and loved listening to music, watching movies, and reading a book every spare moment.

Raymond was proceeded in death by Eugene Clinton Downing, Muriel Alice Downing, Edward Earl Downing, Chester Alvin Downing, Lorita Agnes Downing, and Beverly Ann Downing. Ray is survived by his brothers Guy Richard Downing, John Stanley Downing and his sons John Maiquez, Raymond Downing Jr., and daughters Corinne, Muriel, Dianna Marie, Arletta Mae, Margaret Melissa, Rosita Marita, Sandra Rios, and Dianna Celia Perez.

Ray will be greatly missed and thought of in every special occasion, witty joke, Whataburger dining room, western novel, John Wayne movie, sunrise and sunset.