Melvin Frederick (Fred) Downing, 91, passed away October 18th at the Cedars in Leo. He was born August 9, 1928 in Ft. Wayne and graduated from Harlan High School in 1946. He married Margaret Schaefer on May 28, 1949. He retired from B. F. Goodrich in 1990 after 21 years. Fred was also a farmer. After retirement he restored many antique tractors and enjoyed spending winters at their home near Deming, New Mexico. He was a member of Cedar Creek Antique Tractor Club and Honorary Director of Maumee Valley Antique Steam and Gas Engine Assoc. He won many 1st place trophies in antique tractor pulls. He was a charter member of Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Harlan, Indiana.
Fred is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret; children: Marcia (Ron) Augspurger of Hoagland, Marvin (Brenda-deceased) Downing of Goshen, Mark (Tammy) Downing of Grabill; grandchildren: Sarah Downing of Goshen, Erin Dan) Baughman of Washington, D.C., Miles Downing of Grabill, Spencer (Ashley) Augspurger of Hoagland; great-granddaughter, Willow Downing of Grabill. He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 sisters. Visitation at Hockemeyer and Miller Funeral Home, 17629 ST RD 37, Harlan, IN on Monday, October 21 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00. Funeral service at 11:00 on Tues. October, 22 Hockemeyer Funeral Home 17629 ST Rd 37, Harlan, IN with visitation one hour prior.Burial in Scipio Cemetery, Harlan. Memorials to Holy Trinity or Harlan Community Food Bank
