Richard Downing

Richard Conway Downing, 102, passed away February 5, 2018 in Venice, FL. Dick was born in Springfield, OH on August 18, 1915 and raised in Dayton, OH. A 1933 graduate of Fairview High School, and president of the senior class, he was inducted into the Fairview Hall of Fame in 2014. He married his high school sweetheart, Marilouise Diehl, in 1938 and they enjoyed 74 years together until her passing in 2012. In 1946 Dick founded Dayton Mortgage Company with his brother-in-law Lowell Murr. While in Dayton, Dick was active in Shiloh Church, Miami Valley Golf Club, Round Table Men's Club, Stillwater Masonic Lodge, and served as a Harrison Township trustee. After retirement, Dick and Weese moved to Venice, Florida, eventually choosing Village On The Isle as their home. Dick continued volunteering by serving on the scholarship committee and Christmas gratuity fund at the Village. Survived by his son, Bruce of Venice, and his daughter, Carol Downing Shellabarger Green (Ben) of Sun City Center, grandchildren Nikki VanOeveren, of Minneapolis, Kendra Robinson, Sarasota, Scott (Megan) Shellabarger, of Tampa, Doug (Lisa) Shellabarger, of Palm Harbor and Suzanne Shellabarger Harrell (Ted), of Tallahassee. Great grandchildren include Phoebe Robinson, of Sarasota, Sarah and Hannah Shellabarger, of Tallahassee, and Rocco and Francesca VanOeveren of Minneapolis. His younger sister, Ruth Anderson, lives in Springfield, OH. His older sister, Margaret, predeceased him. Uncle Dick is also lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Services will take place at Venice Presbyterian Church on February 17, at 1:00. Reception following. Burial is next to the love of his life at Venice Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be sent to Venice Presbyterian Church, Tidewell Hospice, Shriners Children's Hospital, or Shiloh Church. We will all miss this amazing man whose motto was ""LIFE is GOOD!!""