Obituary of Joseph Milton Downing,Sr.

Joseph M. Downing, Sr., 87, of Beaumont, TX passed away September 15, 2015. Visitation will be held at Riley Funeral Home in Woodville, TX on Friday, September 18, 2015 from 6-8 pm. Services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 10 am with Brother Steve Waldrep officiating. Burial will follow at Bethany Cemetery in Colmesneil, TX. Joseph was born on January 2, 1928 to George and Bennie Downing in Cove, AR. He served in the Air Force as a young man and spent his career as a scale technician for Toledo Scales. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Joseph met and married Bonnie Belle Wilson Downing in 1951. She preceded him in death as did his parents and granddaughters Deanna and Sheena Downing. Left to cherish his memory are his sons Richard Downing and Joseph Downing, Jr. of Beaumont, TX, and Larry Downing of Lumberton, TX; brother George Downing of Colmesneil, TX; granddaughter Joni Gussman of Beaumont, TX; and great grandchildren Chloe and Ezekiel Lambeth of Beaumont, TX. He also leaves behind numerous other grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Services are under the direction of Riley Funeral Home of Tyler County. Condolences may be offered online at www.rileysfuneralhome.com.