Richard Paul Downing

Richard Paul Downing of Caro, age 90, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at his daughter Shelli’s home, surrounded by his family. Born on October 6, 1933, in Caro, he was the son of the late Harold and Mildred (Foster) Downing. Richard graduated from Caro High School in 1952. Shortly after, he married the love of his life, Cora Lou Hutton, on August 14, 1952, and they recently celebrated their seventy-second wedding anniversary. Richard was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in the dental field and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Upon returning home with his wife, he began working for the local canning factory before securing a position as a millwright at Saginaw Steering Gear, where he dedicated thirty years before retiring.

A true man of faith, Richard was very active with his church, Caro First Baptist, serving as a deacon and volunteer for many years. He was also one of the founding members of the church’s Awana children’s ministry. Both he and Cora, with their hearts of gold, fostered over three hundred children over three decades, touching and changing the lives of many. Richard devoted the last thirty years to caring for Cora, ensuring she received the best possible care. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. Richard was known for his hard work, strength, and unwavering faith—qualities that will live on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Richard leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Cora Lou Downing; children, Rob (Susan) Downing, Ross (Linda) Downing, Kelli Sue (Heath) Jackson, Margie (Jerry) McPhillips, Shelli Downing (Shawn York), Jennifer (Gavin) Sykes-McLaughlin, and Cheryl (Pat) Dillon; son-in-law, Brent Harrington; daughter-in-law, Dawn Downing; grandchildren, Jared, Jade, Aimee, Jamie, Kristy, Chad, Ryan, David, Andrea, Dwayne, Meghin, Sara, Kaylin, Kylie, Alex, Rayne, Corey, Cara, Caleb, Collin, Caylee, Rhys, Bryn, Liam, Mandy, Tammy, Samantha, and Ali; thirty plus great-grandchildren; siblings , Burton (Lynn) Downing , Dee Ann Downing, and Kim Scott; sister-in-law, Karen Downing; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his children, Sherri Harrington and Steven Downing; grandson, David Wilcher; brothers, Robert Downing, Danny Scott, and Leon Scott; and sister-in-law, Peggy Hutton.

Richard’s funeral service will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at the Caro First Baptist Church. Rev. Marc Herron will officiate with burial at Indianfields Township Cemetery following the luncheon. The family will be present at the church to receive visitors on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Caro First Baptist Church, 1535 West Gilford Road, Caro, MI 48723.