David Ray Downing

David Ray Downing, 68, of Tonica, passed away on Wednesday August 14, 2024, from COPD complications.

Private family services will be in the Hurst Funeral Home in Tonica with Rev. Phil Jackson officiating.  Public graveside services will be 2:00 PM Sunday in Fairview Cemetery in Tonica with Rev. Phil Jackson officiating.  Full military services will follow by the Tonica American Legion. A funeral dinner and celebration of David’s life will follow in the Tonica United Methodist Church.

David was born December 18, 1955, in Salina, KS to Rev. Jerome and Ruth (Gnagy) Downing.  He attended DeKalb High School, NIU and later the Ottawa satellite site of Aurora University where he and fellow educator and friend Bev Haverland achieved their masters in teaching.

David honorably served in the United States Army as a military policeman and became a Sgt. while in the reserves.  While stationed at Fort Ord, CA, he married his love Yvonne Ditmars on March 14, 1976. Throughout his 31-year career teaching 4th grade, Mr. D or coach touched quite a number of lives. His former students would often pop in at Tonica Grade School to say hello, often with their children. A variety of jobs found many of his students touching Mr. D’s life again as his eye doctor, dentist, physical therapist, EMT’s, RN’s, and Mayor of Tonica. David was an avid Fox News and Fox Business viewer, Big Bang Theory, Da Bears, and movies like; “Bringing Up Baby” were tops on his list, but he found most joy in spending time with his family, especially golfing and fishing with Ben.

David is survived by his wife Yvonne of Tonica, one son; Benjamin and grandson Marshall of Oklahoma, a granddaughter Audrey and great granddaughter Hadley of Texas, one brother; Joseph (Diana) Downing of Indiana, one sister; Dona Downing of Bloomington, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and Mr. Kitty.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Belinda, sister Marilyn Moody, and his parents.

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