Robert Charles Winningham

Robert Charles Winningham passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 after a brave battle with cancer. He was 59 years young. Bob was loved by many and had been very involved with the City of Downey, the community and had many friends and family who loved him. Robert was born on November 25, 1955 in Huntington Park, CA. He was the youngest of three children to Shirley Winningham. He was raised in Downey and attended Rio San Gabriel Elementary School, East Middle School and graduated Downey High School, Class of 1973. He worked at the family business, Downey Vendors, immediately after high school and remained there for 42 years. He married high school sweetheart Carol (Lewis) in 1977 and together had three children, Jennifer, Amanda and Scott, who all attended Downey schools. Throughout his entire life, he was involved in a wide variety of community events including: Downey YMCA, Optimist Club of Downey, Northwest Downey Little League, and various committees for the City of Downey. One of the most regarded accomplishments was serving on the Downey City Council from 1998-2002 and serving as Mayor from 2000 - 2001. He was instrumental in bringing to life the renovation of Rio Hondo Golf Club and Event Center. It is with great pleasure that the City of Downey has named the ballroom in his honor. In January 2007, he married his current wife Michele (Ward) where they shared their Yorba Linda home with their three flat coated retrievers. Bob enjoyed cheerleading with his daughter Jennifer, and t-ball and Indian Guides with daughter Amanda and son Scott. He and wife Michele enjoyed participating in dog show events, enjoying friends and living each day to the fullest. He is survived by his wife Michele, children Jennifer (Daniel) Cordero, Amanda Winningham, Scott (Zoila) Winningham, aunt Valarie Williams, sister Nancy (Richard) Smith, sister-in-law Jane Langley, grandchildren Ethan, Mason, Branson and Nixon, 9 nieces and nephews, and loving pets Nikki, Riley and Nana. He is predeceased by his father Robert (1955), brother Robert Langley (1997) and mother Shirley Winningham (2012). He is also survived by many extended family and friends who will miss him dearly. The Winningham family requests that In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Optimist Club of Downey P.O. Box 831 Downey, CA 90241 If you would like the donations to go to The Great Western Flat-Coat Retriever Club, please make donations to Optimist Club of Downey and write in memo line: "GWFCRC".