Dr. Ronald Allen Downing

Dr. Ronald Allen Downing, 97, passed away Monday September 24 at his home in Killearn Estates, attended by his wife Dorothy and two sons, Barry and Brien. Dr. Downing and his wife have been Tallahassee residents since 1980. He was born in New Hampshire, Ohio on July 6, 1915 and spent his early years living and working on the family farm established by his parents, Ross and Ruth Downing. Dr. Downing maintained involvement in the operations of the family farm until his death. His brother Roger, and sister Mabel, preceded him in death. Dr. Downing graduated from Ohio Northern University with a BS in Education and continued his studies receiving his Masters in Education from the University of Cincinnati and his Doctorate in Education from George Washington University in Washington DC. Throughout his career, he had extensive and progressively more responsible positions in the field of education both in the United States and overseas. He began his career in the field of education as a teacher in Alger, Ohio and progressed to senior administrative positions directing the operations of Department of Defense school systems overseas. He served as a school principal in Ohio and with US Military educational facilities in Puerto Rico, Germany and Morocco. Working for the Department of Defense to direct the operations of school systems overseas, Dr. Downing had assignments in Washington DC as well as several international residencies. He retired from the Department of Defense Dependents School System in 1980 as the Director of Dependents Schools, Europe (Germany South). Dr. Downing was an Officer in the US Army Air Corps/United States Air Force and served during both World War II and the Korean conflict. His service to his Country spanned more than 38 years in both military and civilian capacities. Dr. Downing was a member of the Killearn United Methodist Church and considered himself an “honorary” member of the Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church in Tallahassee. He was an active participant in Church activities serving as both a Sunday School Teacher as well as participating in Bible study groups. He served on the Board of the Campus Ministry at Wesley Foundation FSU and the Board of Higher Education of the Diocese of Florida, for which he received Awards for his outstanding service. Dr. Downing was a 60 year member of the Hyde Park Masonic Lodge, Cincinnati OH and a long-term member of the Shriners International Organization. He also belonged to the Killearn Country Club for over 30 years and was an active and revered member of the esteemed “Slugs” golfing group. Dr. Downing is survived by his wife Dorothy of the residence in Tallahassee; his oldest son Barry and wife Mary of Lexington, South Carolina; youngest son Brien and wife Donna of Centerville, Virginia as well as 4 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren and beloved Nieces and Nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing to be held at Bevis Funeral Home 2710 North Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32303 on Thursday September 26 from 6 PM to 8 PM. Memorial services will be conducted at the Killearn United Methodist Church, 2800 Shamrock South, Friday September 27 at 11 AM with internment to follow at MeadowWood Memorial Park Cemetery located at 700 Timberlane Road , Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests direct donations to The FSU Wesley Foundation 705 W. Jefferson St, Tallahassee, FL 32304 or the St. Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Dr. Ronald Allen Downing

July 6, 1915 - September 24, 2012