Kenneth Dean Downing was born on April 13,1942 in Dinuba, CA, and departed to his everlasting resting place on August 26, 2025, in Hanford, CA. He was the beloved youngest son of Everett Clifton and Carrie Long Downing.
Ken was a sportsman. He loved baseball and coaching. His passion for sports (baseball, basketball, track, and football) began early in his childhood. Kenneth eventually played for the Pittsburg Pirates minor league in Santa Barbara, CA in 1959 as a pitcher. Shortly after having two boys and a girl, he began coaching little league baseball players (and coaches), high school, college, and MLB minor league players. In the early 2000's he coached a Babe Ruth team in Hanford and won the championship.
He was a family man, and he did things that would bring family together. If baseball wasn't happening, Ken enjoyed open/wheel midget, sprint, and go-kart racing with his family. His sons, their wives, daughter, and grandchildren were very much a part of the racing years. He raced for 17 total years as team DRE (Downing Racing Engines) #73. What mattered to him wasn't so much winning but being with his family.
When racing was over, he enjoyed his TV. Watching sports of all sorts or learning a new hobby, like turning rocks and semi-precious stones into one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. He went to many rock and gem shows to supply and learn his new craft. He was awesome at this! He enjoyed many quiet moments at home with his wife and looked forward to seeing his family at holidays or just when they came over. He attended many sporting events that his grandchildren were involved in.
He was proud of his family. He watched his grandchildren grow up, get married, and have children of their own. He is honored with two great-granddaughters and one great-grandson, who is on the way in early 2026.
He was well known, liked, and loved by many. His legacy leaves behind how blessed and amazing he truly was. All of this wouldn't be possible without his love and faith in Jesus Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Everett C. and Carrie Long Downing; wives: Carolyn Downing, 1985, Joyce Downing, 1999, and Linda Downing, 2020; siblings: Roy, Wayne, Clifford, Pete, Lorraine, Allene, Denzel, Danny, and Donnie.
Kenneth is survived by his eldest son and wife Bryan and Judy Downing, and second son and wife Mike and Suzanne Downing. Grandchildren: Mitchell and wife Jasmin Villa, Hannah Downing and Manny and their daughters: Kynnidi, Violet Banuelos, Cambra, and Nathan and daughter, Emma Jeffs. Third child Paula Downing and husband Anthony Glau.
