Joseph Downing

Joseph "Joe" Downing, 90, a long-time resident of Bartlesville, OK died Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at the Jane Phillips Medical Center. Joseph Downing was born April 22, 1921 in Newkirk, OK to Orie and Teresa (Keifer) Downing. Joe attended elementary school in Newkirk and completed high school at Ponca City, OK. He enlisted in the United States Army, in 1942, where he served in the European Theater during World War II. He continued his service to his country through the Army Reserves and returned to active duty during Korean Conflict. During the break between World War II and the Korean Conflict, Joe continued his education at Oklahoma State University where he studied engineering. Through the years, he was employed by: Hackney Iron & Steel, Enid, OK; Rockwell (Macnick Division), Tulsa, OK; National Zinc Co., Bartlesville, OK; Superior Welding, Bartlesville, OK and the U.S. Department of Defense, Tulsa, OK - retiring in 1986. During this time, he also attended Tulsa Junior College where he studied Quality Control Engineering. Joe was united in marriage to Faye Smith in 1946. To this union were born three children: Donald, Beverly and Neal. In 1965, He married Mildred Hitt. From this union, he gained a son, James Hitt. Joe enjoyed model railroading and flower gardening. He was a member of: the First Baptist Church of Bartlesville, the Caney Valley Railroad Club, Central Oklahoma Rail Club, the American Legion Post #105 and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He was preceded in death by: his parents; mother of his children, Faye Storey; late wife, Mildred Downing; siblings: Marguerite, Earl, Lester, Leonard, Josephine (Joe's twin sister) and Glenn. He is survived by: children: son, Donald J. Downing and wife Mary of Raymore, MO; daughter, Beverly J. Wedel and husband Mike of Bartlesville, OK; son, Neal Downing of Bartlesville, OK and son, James L. Hitt and wife Mary Neva of Plano TX; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren and a host of other family members and dear friends. Memorial donations in Joe's name may be made to: ARC Group Homes, Inc.; P.O. Box 1422; Bartlesville, OK 74005 or the Baptist Medical Dental Missions International (BMDMI - First Baptist Church, Bartlesville, OK Team); 11 Plaza Drive; Hattiesburg, MS 39402. Services to honor Joe will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, March 2, 2012 at the Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences may be submitted at www.honoringmemories.com.

Service Details

Friday, March 2nd, 2012 2:00pm, Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home

Interment Details

Memorial Park Cemetery