Carolyn Jo Downing, 82, of Springfield and formerly of Urbana, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 4, 2023, at the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield, Ohio. She was born in Lima, Ohio on November 27, 1940, a daughter of the late Robert Mohr King and Irene (Porteus) King.
On November 6, 1960, Carolyn married Charles R. Downing in Bellefontaine, Ohio and he preceded her in death on May 31, 2019. She was affectionately called “Josie” by Chuck.
Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Lynda (Jeff) Livingston of St. Paris, and Pastor Wayne (Susan) Downing of Zanesfield; seven grandchildren, Jacob (Tory) Livingston, Ethan (Kara) Livingston, Seth Livingston, Evan (Hannah) Downing, Morgan (Austin) Newlove, Davis Downing, and Thia Downing; a great granddaughter, Valen Newlove; and numerous nieces and nephews. Carolyn was eagerly anticipating the upcoming birth of three additional great-grandbabies due in early 2024.
A 1959 graduate of Kalida High School, Carolyn was a retired Champaign County Recorder, where she worked from 1977-2008. In her younger years, she could be found with a pair of skates on, ice or roller. Chuck and Carolyn were avid motorcyclists, traveling much of the United States with friends and family. Some of their trips included Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, and New Orleans. Carolyn and Chuck loved playing euchre, cheering on the grandkids’ sporting and musical events, and attending all types of family gatherings.
Carolyn enjoyed her final years at the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield. She had many great friends which she ate meals with. Carolyn enjoyed volunteering for various jobs, like working at the welcome desk, and delivering meals. Some of her other favorite activities were attending concerts and other social events.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 9, at the Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 210 W. Hayes Street in DeGraff. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 10, at the St. Paris United Methodist Church, 208 W. Walnut Street in St. Paris with visitation one hour prior. Inurnment will be in Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff, Ohio at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paris United Methodist Church, 208 W. Walnut Street, St. Paris, Ohio 43072.
Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, DeGraff, is honored to serve the Downing family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.
