Leo Downing, Jr

Leo G. Downing, Jr, 95, of Oakwood, IL passed away at 3:04 AM on September 22, 2024 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, IL.

Leo was born on August 8, 1929 in Middlefork Township in Vermilion County the son of Leo “Bill” and Nettie (Watson) Downing. He married Esther V. Drollinger on September 27, 1959 in Kingman, IN and she preceded him in death on June 10, 2015.

Survivors include his son, Andrew Downing of Danville, IL and his daughter, Pamela Gurchie of Oakwood, IL as well as his granddaughter, Andrea Downing of Danville, IL and 52 nieces and nephews.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Esther Downing, sister, Norma Jean Huffman and brother-in-law, G. Huffman.

Leo graduated from Bismarck High School in 1947 and resided in Oakwood since 1959. He served six years, three of which were in Japan, in the United States Army and was promoted to Seargent. After serving his country in the Army, he worked for the Veterans Administration and later for the Soil Conservation Service of the U.S.D.A for 25 years before retiring in 1985.

Leo was a member of the Oakwood Christian Church where he served as a Deacon and an Elder as well as on many committees and lead singing for Sunday School and Church Services. He and his wife, Esther, volunteered at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville for many years. He loved to sing, and Barbershop Harmony filled that need. Leo was a member of the Danville Chapter for over 50 years, serving as President for two of those years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 610 in Oakwood, serving as Commander and Chaplain. Leo was also a member of the Vermilion County War Museum, Korean War Veterans Association, and on the Friends of the Library in Oakwood, a lifetime member of the Oakwood Historical Society and assisted on the Silver Centennial Committee in Oakwood and coached Little League Baseball.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Sunset’s Oakwood Chapel, 105 E. South Main Street Oakwood, IL. John Payne will officiate. Graveside Committal Rites will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Gundy Cemetery with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 9-11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made in Leo’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Please join Leo's family in sharing memories, photos and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .