William Clarence “Downing, 82 ,of Leeton, Mo., died Sunday, Feb. 16, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City.

Bill was born Nov. 1, 1931 in Warrensburg, Mo. the son of Elba T. and Anna (Faulkner) Downing. He graduated from Farmers School near Fayetteville. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War.

Bill married Dona Marie Coffman on July 4, 1952 in Warrensburg. The couple made their home in Denver, Colo. for several years prior to moving to Elsberry, Mo. in 1970. Bill was employed with the United States Postal Service for many years, having retired from their main office in St. Louis in 1988. In 1991, the couple moved to Leeton. He was a member of the American Legion in Elsberry. He also enjoyed camping and hunting in years past. Bill was also an avid gardener and fisherman.

Survivors include his son, Tracy Downing and wife, Cathy; granddaughter, Teryn Langner and husband, Tyler; and great granddaughter, Rebecca Langner, all of Warrensburg.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dona in 1997; brother, Marion Downing; and two sisters, Erma Gauchat and Fern Lamb.