John F. Downing

John F. “Sonny” Downing and his wife, Nancy E. Downing of 1039 Union Ave. N.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio died tragically Monday, December 10, 2007 from a fire in their home.

John was born July 23, 1937 in Sherrodsville, the son of Mary Ann Downing of Sherrodsville and the late John C. Downing. Nancy was born March 27, 1943 in Dover, the daughter of the late Ralph and Ethel Katherine Maxwell Davis.

John retired in 1983 as a Diesel Mechanic for the former Edwards Sales and Service in Strasburg. He was a Korean War veteran having served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Dover VFW, Life member of the New Philadelphia Moose lodge and a member of the New Phila Eagles. He enjoyed woodworking.

Nancy was an employee of Kinser Bowling Alley where she managed Shirley�(TM)s 10 Pin Corner. She was a 1961 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. She enjoyed reading and jigsaw puzzles. She also listened to country music and loved to dance prior to her stroke. She was also a lover of animals especially her cats.

John and Nancy were both avid bowlers where they were previously active in several bowling leagues. They were also both previously involved in AA.

They are survived by five children Tom (Debbie) Downing and their children, Erin and Casie of Dover, Diana (Mark) Slabaugh and children, Olivia and Brittany of Canton, Tim Downing of New Philadelphia and children, Zachary, Cory, and Jamie of Dennison, Amy (Michael) Wilcox of Strasburg, and Jackie (Jim) Rizer and children, Torisa (Kyle) Hogue, Seth, Tess, and J.T. of Coshocton and a great grandson, David Hogue.

John was the oldest of thirteen children and was preceded in death by a sister and brother in law. Nancy is survived by a sister and two sisters in law and was preceded in death by two brothers. John and Nancy were also preceded by a grandson, Christopher Downing.

Funeral services celebrating John and Nancy�(TM)s life will be held Friday, Decembere 14, 2007 at 11am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover with Brother Rodney McBride officiating. Interment will be in the Ridgecrest Memory Gardens where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors for John. A reception will follow at the Roxford United Methodist Church. Friends will be received on Thursday (today) from 5-8pm and Friday from 9:30am until the time of the service at the funeral home. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of John and Nancy may sign the online register book by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the John and Nancy Downing Memorial Fund established at any Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330 343-6132