Richard Wayne "Dick" Downing was born July 11, 1933 in Harper, Kansas, son of Clyde Wayne and Julia Olivia (Olivier) Downing. He grew up in Anthony, graduating from Anthony High School with the Class of 1951.

Dick started college at Northwestern in Alva, Oklahoma. Unfortunately, his education was put on hold as he was called to serve in the United States Army. He was inducted on May 13, 1953 at Kansas City, Missouri and proudly served until his Honorable Discharge on February 12, 1955.

On November 23, 1957, Dick was united in marriage with Phyllis Jean Tucker at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church (which later burned) in Anthony. This union was blessed with two children: Dana and David.

For many years, Dick farmed and ranched, a career that he loved! He also worked at Cessna Plastics Division, as a Harper County Engineer, and in Maintenance at the Anthony Hospital.

Dick was a faithful member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, now of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community, and was active in the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the American Legion and the National Rifleman Association.

In his spare time he enjoyed yard work, gardening, woodworking, golf, fishing, camping, collecting miniature cars, guns and pencils, and most of all, helping others.

Dick's family was his biggest joy and he was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

On April 8, 2018, Dick passed away at his home in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 84 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean on December 22, 2006; his parents, Clyde and Julia Downing; granddaughter, Megan Scott; brothers-in-law: Loren Tucker, Verle Tucker and Harold Lee Tucker; and sisters-in-law: Lorene Scott and Delores Hadsall.

Dick will be deeply missed by his daughter, Dana Vega; son, David Downing and wife, Linda; 7 grandchildren: Cody Scott, Dalton Scott, Callie Scott, Julia Vega, Luke Downing, Landon Downing and Dustin Downing; 3 great-grandchildren: Kamea, Liana and Sadie; brothers: Bob Downing and wife, Virginia and Steve Downing and wife, Sara; brother-in-law, Wayne Tucker and wife, Sally; sisters-in-law: Nellie Robinson and husband, Jack, Joan Tucker and Shirley Tucker Hamm; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Recitation of Rosary 9:30 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Anthony, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community. Burial will follow at Forest Park Cemetery with Military Honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony.

Memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the American Diabetes Association, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.