Ronald O. "Ron" Downing

On Saturday, November 20, 2021, Ron went home to be with his Lord and Savior.

Ronald Otho Downing, of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, was born September 22, 1947, to J.O. and Maxine Downing.  Together they spent a short time in Commerce, Oklahoma, where they owned and operated a small grocery store, living in the back of the store.

Ron moved to Wichita, Kansas, as an infant and spent the days of his youth there.  He attended West High School, before being drafted in 1966 by the United States Marine Corps to serve in Vietnam.  He spent 13 long months there fighting on the front lines with his platoon, known as the "Moonlighters."  Ron was privileged to work alongside villagers and with the South Vietnam government before ending his tour and returning home in 1968, being honorably discharged.  His parents were confident that God protected Ron during this time.

Ron went on to spend many years, doing many different things.  None of which were more important than him sharing his faith, helping those less fortunate, spending time with his family and being outdoors to enjoy all of God's creation.  Anyone who knew Ron, knew that those things were the very essence of his existence and something we will all cherish moving forward.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, J.O. Downing and Maxine Downing.

His survivors include:

His wife and the love of his life – Shyrlee Downing of Chetopa, Kansas

Five sons – Chris Downing of Derby, Kansas

Jon Downing (Brooke) of Derby, Kansas

Shane Rusche (Deanna) of Kingman, Arizona

Ryan Rusche (Amber) of Joplin, Missouri

Jonathan Farley (Essie) of Columbus, Kansas

One daughter – Melissa Downing (Mike Nelson) of Wichita, Kansas

Three grandsons – Trenten, Travis and Gabriel

Two granddaughters – Clarissa and Sophie

One sister – Debbie Downing-Von Feldt (Dwight) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

His dogs – Buddy, Sweet Face, Anna and Elsa

There will be a graveside service with military honors at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.

Memorials are suggested to The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.  These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS  67336.