William R. Downing

Bill was a member of the Reitz High School class of 1945 and graduated through the Mechanic Arts Program. He had a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from what was then Evansville College.

Bill worked for Servel, General Electric, and other tri-state companies before starting his own data processing business, Southwind Data Services. He began his career as a draftsman, and then worked as a computer programmer for many years. He also taught various computer classes at area community colleges.

Bill honored God through his life as a family man, coach, teacher, and friend. He enjoyed playing and coaching several sports, including basketball, football, and baseball. Bill followed a number of local and national athletic teams, including Reitz High School football and U of E basketball. He was happiest when helping others, and had an infinite supply of jokes and one-liners that made people smile.

Bill’s wife of 59 years, Jackie, passed away in August 2011. His parents, Riley Patterson Downing and Irma Sturm McKenzie, and two sisters, Dorothy Bivins and Minnie Mae Lauer, also preceded him in death.

Bill is survived by a sister, Mary Jane Sheppard, of Tucson, AZ; children, Janice Knight (Jerry) of Evansville, John Downing (Rachel) of Mangum, OK, Jennifer Barr (Mike) of West Lafayette, IN, and Jeffrey Downing (Jennie) of Elk River, MN; 15 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Masonic Rites will be performed at 6:00 PM Friday, April 13, 2012 at St. Paul’s UCC. Visitation will be at 9:00 AM Saturday followed by a celebration of Bill’s life at 11:00 AM. All services will be held at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 2227 W. Michigan St., Evansville. Alexander West Chapel is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, St. Paul’s UCC, or other charity.