Robert J. Downing Jr.

His early life was spent in Portsmouth, NH, where he developed his love for fishing. He entered the US Army in his teens. During his first three years he served in Vietnam. He was injured several times, earning him three purple hearts. After being honorably discharged from the US Army, he chose to enlist in the US Navy where he served until retirement in 1988. He met his wife Mary Lou in the service. They served together and after the birth of their son, they settled in Lake Worth, Florida and created their home until his death. He loved to tinker in his yard and loved plants, flowers and especially orchids. He took pride in maintaining his home and yard.

He was a wonderful father and spent years with his son in Scouts, camping, fishing and having fun. He also loved animals and all creatures, he had adopted several rescue dogs in his life. He also had several birds. He fed the wild birds every day and left peanuts out for the squirrels. He would stop on a busy road to pick up turtles in the oncoming traffic and help them. Robert also enjoyed jazzing up the trucks he owned. Wherever he is - you can be sure it’s behind the wheel of a jazzed up truck with an air horn. Whenever you hear that sound, you will know he’s just fine and carrying on.

Robert is survived by his loving wife over 40 years, Mary Lou Downing; son, Robert Luis Downing; granddaughter, Reagan Grace Downing; son, Robert Downing III; numerous grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Robert J. Downing Sr., mother Virginia May Pierce Downing, sister Muriel E. Downing.

Robert was such a caring man with a love and zest for life. He will be missed immensely and will live on by all who knew him. He fought a valiant fight to stay but it wasn’t to be.

A gathering of family & friends for Robert will be held Friday, July 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Dorsey-E. Earl Smith Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, FL 33461. A prayer service will occur at 11:30 AM. An entombment prayer service will follow at 12:15 PM at Lake Worth Memory Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dorsey-smithmemorygardens.com for the Downing family.