Ernest David Downing

Ernest David Downing, 83, of Buckeye, Arizona, passed away on September 6, 2015. Ernie, as he was known, was a construction contractor in the Phoenix area since the 1960’s. He was born in DeKalb, Missouri, on February 16, 1932, to Rufus and Ruth Downing. Ernie married his wife of 66 years, Norma Jean Brown, on January 3, 1949. In 1951, they moved to Phoenix where he joined the Bricklayers and Masons Union, and where he was later joined by his older brother Raymond (deceased) and his mother. In 1963, Ernie formed Ernest Downing Construction Company, which specialized in masonry construction. He constructed commercial and residential buildings throughout the Valley until his retirement in 1994. Ernie and Norma had three daughters Bonnie Echeverria (Philip), Deborah Vasquez (Edward), and Sherry James (Norman). He is survived by his brother Charlie and his sister Lois Kelly (Tom), as well as his seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, who gave him great joy in the final years of his life. Ernie will forever be remembered for his generous heart and ornery spirit. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 11:00am, at The Chapel of the Chimes, 7924 North 59th Avenue, Glendale. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donation be made in Ernie’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association.