Robert Dale "Bob" Downing was born April 12, 1936 in Harper, Kansas to Clyde Wayne and Julia Elizabeth (Olivier) Downing. He grew up on a farm east of Anthony, Kansas. Bob attended Pilot Knob and Berlin country grade schools, graduating from Anthony High School in 1956. He joined the Kansas National Guard in 1957, serving 6 months active training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. and served in the Guard until his discharge in 1975.

On October 31, 1961 Bob was united in marriage with Virginia Lee Coats at the Parsons Chapel, serving as the Sacred Heart Catholic Church which had burned the previous May. This union was blessed with two children: Roger Dale and Vickie Lynn.

For many years Bob worked for Home Lumber – both in Anthony and Medicine Lodge. After moving to Wichita, he was plumbing manager at Sutherlands Lumber Company until his retirement in April of 1998. Bob was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, now of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community.

Bob and Virginia purchased a cabin at the Anthony Lake in 1996 to have a place to play with the grandkids. After his retirement they moved to the lake and made the cabin their permanent home. Over the years Bob enjoyed fishing and mowing on his riding mower. He spent much of his spare time watching western movies and game shows on TV.

He enjoyed having his family visit and was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On January 12, 2019, Bob passed away at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas surrounded by many members of his loving family at the age of 82. He is preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Julia Downing, brothers Dick and Steve Downing and sister-in-law Jean Tucker Downing.

Bob will be deeply missed by his wife, Virginia; son, Roger Downing (Carla); daughter, Vickie Warren (Chuck); grandchildren: Ross Downing (Elisha), Jacob Downing, Heather Eaglin (Jason), Ashley Warren (Tyler Herrington); and great-grandchildren: Darren Ryan, Preston Paschall, Ashlynn Paschall, Pax Eaglin, Jase Downing and Karter Downing; along with many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Recitation of the Rosary led by Sherrie Eaton will be held 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2019. Celebrant Father Michael Peltzer will perform the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 16, 2019. Taper Lighters are Heather Eaglin and Ashley Warren. Lector is Callie Scott. Gift bearers are Heather Eaglin, Ashley Warren and Julia Vega. Eucharistic Ministers are Debbie Francis and Sherrie Eaton. Musical selections "Only in God", "Hosea", "You Are Mine", "On Eagle's Wings" and "Ave Maria" will be performed by Cantors David and Linda Downing accompanied by Kay Troyer. Great-grandchildren served as greeters. Marilyn and Cecilee Downing will be Mass Servers.

Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery with Military Honors by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Honorary casket bearers are Hal Carpenter, Harold Madsen, Tim Fox, Stan Bogdanovecz and David Downing. Casket bearers are Ross Downing, Jacob Downing, Jason Eaglin, Tyler Herrington, Dalton Scott, Matthew Carpenter, Scott Downing and Darren Ryan.

Memorials in memory of Bob may be made to the Anthony Theatre or to the Anthony Community Care Center 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.