Willard R. Downing

Findlay

Willard R. Downing, 72, died at 4:06 p.m. Dec. 20, 2009, at Richland Manor Nursing Home, Bluffton.

He was born Oct. 22, 1937, in Allen County to Raymond and Metta Geiger Downing, who preceded him in death. On July 15, 1965, he married Phyllis Jean Shuster, who died Feb. 25, 1998.

Mr. Downing retired from Phillips GTE, Ottawa. He enjoyed fishing, camping, playing cards and following the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was a graduate of Beaverdam High School, Beaverdam. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

Survivors include three sisters, Vera (Wallace) Owen, of Marysville, Frances (Kenneth Ray) Adams, of Ottawa, and Karen (Gary) Bronson, of Celina; four stepdaughters, Karen Burgbacher, of Forest, Sharon (Ken) Savage, of Mount Victory, Joyce Coy, of Kenton, and Janet (Gregory) Gremling, of Lima; and several stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Ethel Moser; and a stepson, Herbert Coy.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Chiles-Laman Funeral Homes, Bluffton. The Rev. Michael Downey will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Home Health & Hospice, Findlay.