Richard J. Downing

Richard J. Downing, age 74, of Roswell, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, in his home after several serious health setbacks.

Born Feb. 8, 1948, in Union Township, Tuscarawas County, he was a son of the late John and Mary Ann Henderson Downing. Richard graduated from Tuscarawas Valley High School in 1966, and went on to serve honorably with the United States Air Force in Korea during the Vietnam War. He wed the former Vickie Solley on Oct. 4, 1969, and the couple were the proud parents of two daughters. Sadly, following 39 years of marriage, Vickie passed away on Oct. 25, 2008. Richard was employed by Joy Manufacturing in New Philadelphia, and its successor, Howden Buffalo, for 45 years.

He was a member of Tuscarawas Post 7943 of the V.F.W., the former Cypress Lodge No. 604 F. & A.M. of Strasburg - and was a present member of Tuscarawas Lodge No. 59 of Dover. Richard was a strong supporter of his girls’ school activities when they were younger, which included the Indian Valley High School band.

He will be dearly missed by his daughters, Dayna Kelly (Jamie) Downing Robertson of Boston, Massachusetts, and Kimberly Dawn (Ron) Mulheman of Uhrichsville; his sisters and brothers, Mary Jane (Earl) Walker, Linda (Robert) Armstrong, Jim (Rose) Downing and Harold “Bud” (Colleen) Downing, all of Sherrodsville, Carl (Nancy) Downing of New Philadelphia, and Paul (Janie) Downing of Walhalla, South Carolina; his half-sisters, Ruth Ann Derush, Shirley Galligher and Janet Mitchell; and his many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and his wife, Vickie, Richard was preceded in death by his sister and brother, Carolyn Springer and David Downing; and his half-brother, John Downing.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 5 - 7 p.m., with a Masonic service being conducted at 6:45 p.m. A funeral ceremony will be held Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home; Pastor Jim Manbeck of Roxford Church will officiate. Burial will be Thursday, Oct. 6, at 1:30 p.m. in Dover’s Ridgecrest Memory Gardens, where military rites will be conducted.

The family suggests that contributions in Richard’s memory be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.