Robert E. Downing Sr.

Robert Eugene Downing Sr., 79, of Freeport, passed away, Tuesday July 26, 2022, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born March 28, 1943, in Freeport, the son of Earl and Jeanne (Schofield) Downing. Mr. Downing proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1963-1967. He married Linda L. Weier June 29, 1969, in Freeport. He was a member of Bethany United Church of Christ and Golden K Kiwanis. Robert enjoyed woodworking and was a builder at heart. He built a gazebo, garden shed, adirondack chairs, garden benches and various other projects earning him the name "Builder Bob". He "tinkered" with things at home always making them work again. He enjoyed anything on wheels, in particular racing go-karts with his son. He was an avid race fan attending races all over the United States. He most enjoyed the dirt track races at Eldora, Ohio especially The Dream and The World 100, which he attended for 25 + years. Robert retired from Kelly Springfield in 2002 after 33 years of employment. He was also a member of the United Steelworkers Retirees Club after his retirement from Kelly Springfield. Robert always had time to help with mowing the lawn at church, helping build homes for Habitat for Humanity and ringing the bell at Christmas for the Salvation Army. Robert is survived by his wife, Linda L. Downing of Freeport; son Robert (Lori) Downing Jr. of Topeka, KS; daughter, Sarah (Dan) Hutmacher of Freeport; sister, Earleanne (Jerry) Burkhalter of Kansas City, MO; two grandchildren, Hannah Downing of Stockton, and Allie Downing of Topeka; one great grandchild, Angus White; foreign exchange daughter, Dr. Saskia Albers of Bochum, Germany and we can't forget his furry child Meeka. Mr. Downing was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Earl Downing Jr. and Roy R.Downing, Sr. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday July 30, 2022, at Bethany United Church of Christ. Rev. Ted Michaelson will officiate. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Robert's memory. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Robert's family would like to thank Dr. Terry Miller and Dr. Barry Barnes of FHN, Dr. Arshad Shaikh of The Leonard Ferguson Cancer Center and also FHN Hospice for the wonderful care he received. Cemetery Details Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens 2514 IL-26 Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map Previous Events Visitation JUL 30. 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CT) Bethany United Church of Christ 2341 W Stephenson St Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map Service JUL 30. 11:00 AM (CT) Bethany United Church of Christ 2341 W Stephenson St Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map