Gene Leroy Downing, passed away peacefully in his home in St. Charles, MO, on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the age of 93 years.  He was born February 14, 1931 at LaPort, Iowa, to Bernice Arlene (Schrader) Downing and George Powell Downing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley M. (Eversmeyer) Downing; his parents and 6 siblings.  He is survived by his Sister Marian Rice of Moberly, MO; Brother, Roger Downing of Lacrosse, WA.  Children: Dennis Downing (Susan) of Defiance, MO; Wendy Downing (John Goodwin) of Steelville, MO; Kerry Downing (Lucy) of Hillsboro, MO.  Grandchildren: Josh Downing (Kim) of Wentzville, MO; Kristin Downing of Portland, Oregon; Courtney Reel (Russell) of Nixa, MO; Elias Birdwell (Erica) of Jackson, MO; Rachel Downing of Brentwood, MO; & Eric Downing of Kansas City, MO; Carly Hoffman (Josh) of Merritt Island, FL; Renee Romano-Pratt (Kara) of Clovis CA; and Ava Romano of St. Louis, MO. Great Grandchildren: Adam, Alexis, and Avery Downing; Dawson and Grady Reel; Colton, Grant, and Case Birdwell; Haylie and Isla Hoffman; Charlette and Sophia Hoffner; and Benson Romano-Pratt. Best friend and roommate: Ben Elliott.  Also a host of friends, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Gene served in the U.S. Air Force after he left home, and got his GED.  After his military service, he went to Parks College in Cahokia, IL where he met his wife, Shirley Downing at church.  Gene was an aeronautics engineer for McDonnell-Douglas for 30 years; He had a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and a bachelor’s degree in English, and another in Math. He could do just about anything with his hands, including woodworking, repairs (plumbing, electric, carpentry, servicing his own cars); he loved to read, and in his last years, watching movies and westerns.  He and his wife, Shirley, did a lot of traveling after his retirement, and enjoyed living in Warrenton, out in the country, where he did all the yard work on his 5-acre spread, and did gardening and canning.

Gene was the best grandpa to his grandkids, and hated that he couldn’t get out to see the great grandchildren more. He visited Vietnam several times and had loved ones there who called him “Grandpa Gene.” He taught his children how to manage their money, and to say their first prayer. He recited “the little bear story” to them when they were kids so many times, that they are now able to tell it to their kids, and now their grandkids. He was so good taking care of his wife, Shirley, when she had Alzheimer’s, and he took his family on vacation every year when we were young. He never wanted to be in the nursing home, and thanks to his best friend, Ben Elliott, he didn’t have to. After Shirley died, he and his best friend, Ben, bought a house together  in St. Charles where he lived the last 7 ½ years of his life.

At Gene’s request, there will be no religious service or burial.  He will be cremated, and his ashes spread with Shirley’s at a later date by his immediate family members.