Kenneth Downing, Sr.

Kenneth Young Downing, Sr., went home to be with his Savior on December 2, 2009. He was a resident of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Kenneth was born in Vernon, Texas, and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas. As a young man, Kenneth followed his older brothers by choosing to serve in the military. He served four years in the Army. Following his service in the Army, he joined the Air Force where he served for twenty-one years until he retired in 1974. Kenneth served his nation both in the United States and overseas. He served in North Africa and also in the Korean War. After retirement, Kenneth started his own business as founder and owner of Downing's Heating and Air Conditioning. He was well-known for his willingness to help anyone who was in need. He would often repair air conditioners or heaters for the elderly or those with small babies without regard for their ability to pay. His family knew they could count on Dad when they needed him. Kenneth was an active member of Olive Baptist Church and loved being involved with his Senior Adult Sunday School Class. Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pat Downing, his parents, Henry Young Downing and Addie Carroll Downing; his brothers, J. D. Downing and Virgil Downing; and his grandson, Lucian Dee Webb. Kenneth is survived by his six children, daughter, Anne Berryhill and husband, Carl; Daughter Karen Wilson and husband, Murray; son, Ken Downing, Jr.; son, Don Downing; daughter, Crystal Halpin and husband Keith, son , Randy Downing and wife Kelly. He is also survived by his brothers, Ray Downing and James Downing. He also leaves behind eleven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Kenneth will be missed by all those blessed to have known him. His family will hold him in their hearts and memories forever. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6, 2009, at Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze, FL The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2009, at Olive Road Baptist Church, Pensacola, Florida. The burial service, with full military honors, will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Gulf Breeze, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze. You may offer condolences, share memories and sign the guestbook at www.roselawn-fh.com

Visitation

Visitation

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Sunday, December 6, 2009
3:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Olive Baptist Church
1836 Olive Road
Pensacola, FL  32514
Monday, December 7, 2009
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Entombment

Rose Lawn Cemetery
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563