On May 17, 2020, Don Harold Downing, 78, of Barton, MS, peacefully passed away in his home. An alumnus of Trezevant High School, Don received his Bachelor's Degree from Austin Peay State University and was employed by the IRS as a Senior Team Coordinator for 35 years. Don's civil service did not end after his retirement, however; he continued to serve his community as a Special Citizen Volunteer for the Collierville Police Dept, a crossing guard for Collierville Public Schools, and a VP and Chief Operations Officer for the Marshall County Water Dept. In his downtime, Don enjoyed gardening, with tomatoes being his favorite crop, and he spent countless hours researching and documenting his family's genealogical tree. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Rodella Downing; father, Raymond Andrew Downing; and son-in-law David Charles Mims. Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Louise Bailey Downing; daughter, Donna Downing Mims; and granddaughter, Mary Katherine Mims. Don's lifelong generosity and dutiful service leave in his wake an everlasting reminder of his devotion to his family, friends, and community. Graveside services will be held at McLemoresville Cemetery in McLemoresville, TN, May 22, 2020, at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made directly to Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network, American Cancer Society, or a nonprofit organization of your choice.
