John H. Downing, Jr.

John Howard Downing, Jr., 67, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, surrounded by family at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.  He retired from Coleman Moving & Storage in Salina, Kansas.

John was born on December 17, 1954, in Steelville, Missouri, the son of John Howard Downing, Sr. and Alice Evelyn (Dixon) Downing.  He attended Havre de Grace High School in Havre de Grace, Maryland. On July 17, 1982, John was united in marriage to Jean Lou Sporleder in Salina, KS.

Survivors include: his wife of 39 years, Jean Downing; a son, John Downing, III (Mindy) of McPherson, KS; a daughter, Joy Gravitt (Scott) of Gypsum, KS; two sisters, Barbara Moore (Doug) of Slocomb, AL and Terry Pope of Salina, KS; five grandchildren, River Downing, Maleia Smith, Eli Downing, Mara Bellesine, and Karsen Downing; several nieces & nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Thomas Downing.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Journey Mennonite Church, McPherson with Pastor Jim Ostlund officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the John Downing Memorial Fund in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.