Charley R Downing

Charley R. Downing, 89, of Montpelier, ND, passed away on Saturday morning, June 4, 2016 at his home.

Charley Rufus Downing was born February 27, 1927 in Dekalb, MO, the son of Rufus S. and Ruth LaRue (Cawley) Downing. He was raised in Dekalb and enlisted in the US Army in 1945. After his honorable discharge in 1947, Charley worked in the Dekalb area and then married Mildred Benett. They made their home in California and then Arizona. They divorced and he married Bernice Cosgriff in 1957. They were married a year before divorcing.

Charley was a bricklayer most of his career, retiring in 1989. In 1995, he became a reverse snowbird and lived in Montpelier, ND during the summer months and Casa Grande, AZ for the winter until he made his permanent home on a farm near Montpelier in 2010. He enjoyed traveling.

Charley is survived by his daughter, Patricia Campbell, Oak Harbor, WA; son, Michael (Lillian) Downing, Oracle, AZ; companion, Ruby DeLair, Montpelier, and her family; six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; sister, Lois (Tom) Kelly, Phoenix, AZ; two sisters-in-law, Norma Jean Downing and Helen Downing, both of Phoenix, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter; grandson; and two brothers.

No services will be held at Charley’s request. His ashes will be interred at Dekalb, MO.

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