Claude Downing

Claude M. Downing, II of Margate, Florida, passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2011. Claude, the oldest of four children was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on September 25, 1919, to Ida and Claude Downing Sr. He was preceded in Death by his parents, three siblings and his 1st wife of 25 years. As the oldest Sibling Claude had to help care for his family after his father died.

Claude served his country as a mess sergeant during WW II. He moved to Brooklyn after he was honorably discharged from the military and worked as a chef. After his mother died he and his first wife moved to Philadelphia where he raised his teenage sister. His was a big brother to his brother and sister as well.

Claude decided he did not like having to work on weekends, so he went back to school to become a machinist. He got a job in the Philadelphia Naval shipyard as a machinist and was employed there until his retirement in 1982.

After retirement Claude spent his time helping the elderly run errands. You see Claude never saw himself as elderly and having spent time in the military he could not seem to do enough for disabled veterans.

Claude loved being around young people. They helped him stay young. He helped his niece Nancy with college tuition and books. He helped Kathleen get set up in her apartment after she left the army. When one of his nieces was going off to college he supplied her with linens. Helping others gave him much satisfaction.

In 1969, after his first wife died he met Lillie Davis. They dated for ten years. He tried to get away to get away but he finally gave in and they were united in marriage in 1980. They were soul mates for 32 years and shared a love for sports, music, and travel. They traveled to 37 of the 50 States of the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. He especially liked cruising.

He enjoyed hearing Lillie sing many of his favorite hymns. He arose every Sunday morning to listen to Joel Osteen. Nightly he listened to the Potter’s Touch with T.D Jakes who he especially loved.

He attended Church very infrequently as he got older. He never tried to keep Lillie from Church participation. He especially respected The Rev. Dr. Afonse. He listened to whatever Dr. Alfonse said and did the same. He said that Dr. Alfonse was truly a man of God and that you could see it in his and his wife’s face.

In addition to his devoted and loving wife Lillie, Claude leaves to mourn his nieces Kathleen White and Nancy Rabiu, one great nephew, George White, a great niece Nicole Rabiu and a host of relatives in his first wife’s family who loved him dearly.

Rest in Peace you weary soldier.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Pompano Beach, FL.