Earl Downing

Earl Wade Downing

May 13, 1934 ~ December 28, 2017

Earl Wade Downing, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at his home.

He was born in humble surroundings to Ermon and Essie Mae on May 13, 1934 in Homerville, GA. Earl had seven brothers and five sisters.

Earl learned the meaning of hard work at a young age. He tempered long days of farm work with his love of the outdoors; swimming in the Suwanee River and playing in the woods. He was sent out into the World at the age of 13, taking any job to survive. In 1950, he joined the Marines, heroically serving his country during the Korean War until his service ended in 1959.

On November 30, 1963 Earl married his sweetheart, Ronda Y. Carson and were later sealed in the Bountiful Utah LDS Temple. Together, they traveled the World with their four children making lifelong friends.

Earl rubbed shoulders with Generals, Royalty and Government Officials. He was a Salesman, Veteran, Post Commander of the American Legion, Author and Entrepreneur. His greatest roles were that of Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa.

Earl always had a story to tell, a laugh to share and a plate of food to offer. He remained a true Southern Gentleman until the end of his earthly journey.

He is survived by his forever dance partner, Ronda; their children, Debra Spangler (Daughter), Koni and Stewart Knight (Daughter and Son-in-law), Curtis and Hilary Downing (Son and Daughter-in-law) and Roxayn and Myke Elmer (Daughter and Son-in-law), 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, two sisters, several nieces and nephews and countless lifelong friends.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from 6-8 pm at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W 5600 S. Funeral Services will be held the following day, Wednesday, January 3, 2017 at 11 a.m., with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:30 am at the Roy LDS 15th Ward Chapel, 5900 S 3100 W.

Interment, Roy City Cemetery.