Gerald (Jerry) Wayne Downing

Gerald "Jerry" Wayne Downing age 69, passed away August 18, 2015 in his home in Springfield, surrounded by his loving family and friends, after a sudden illness. Jerry was born on June 8, 1946 in Festus, Missouri to William "Basil" and Maggie Elizabeth (Beckley) Downing. He was a 1964 graduate of Festus High School. Jerry and Linda were united in marriage January 23, 1965 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Crystal City, and celebrated 50 years of marriage this last January with many family members and friends. They owned Mill Street Market in Festus for 20 years. After they sold the market they relocated to Springfield. Jerry also worked for Branson Teleproductions and Bair's Grocery before retiring in 2011. Jerry was a family man and an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish and hunt. He always had a good story to go along with his adventures. Jerry cared more about others than himself and took advantage of every opportunity to make a new friend. He was a Christian and attended Evangel Temple with his wife Linda. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by Linda; two sons Jeff (Springfield) and Jason (Elwood); a granddaughter Merritt, age 7, who was his pride and joy. They were best buddies as well. He is also survived by his in-laws Mark and Nancy (Barnhart) Patterson, Dennis Barnhart, and Jim Barnhart. He was fortunate to have a close family and is survived by loving nieces, nephews and cousins as well. He was preceded in death by his parents. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2015 at McConnell-Bledsoe Cemetery, Nixa with Pastor Charles Arsenault officiating. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Oxford Hospice, Springfield or Royal Family Kids Camp at Evangel Temple, Springfield.