May 6, 1925 ~ November 28, 2012
Harley J. “Bud” Downing was born on a farm northwest of Renfrow, Oklahoma to Francis and Rosa (Kottas) Downing on May 6, 1925. He passed away November 28, 2012 at the age of 87 at the Sumner County Hospital District #1.
He attended Rural School District 19 in Grant County, Oklahoma, graduating from Medford High School in 1943. He entered the Armed Forces in October 1943. He served on Guam in the 383rd Sig. Avn. Co. attached to the HDQTS 20th Air Corp and was discharged in 1946.
In his teen years he considered himself a cowboy, riding the rough ones and doing some roping.
On June 8, 1956, Bud, as he preferred to be called, and Doris “Perky” Keown were married and he took on the role of dad to Janon, Kathie and Bob. To this union a daughter Debra was born to complete their family.
He loved the farm, growing the crops and the tending livestock. He enjoyed fishing and hunting but in his later years he just watched the birds and animals. He enjoyed making useful farm tools and equipment from scrap. His pride being a cable water well drilling rig he used to drill numerous water wells in Northern Oklahoma and Southern Kansas. He also supplemented his farming by off season work as a welder, construction worker, mechanic and oil field worker.
After retiring from farming, he devoted his time to woodcrafts. He preferred to design his own projects and build them without plans. Bud sold a few, gave away many and they are scattered all over the USA. He was especially proud of the oak rocking cradle and high chairs he made for his great granddaughters. Bud loved to play jokes on his family and friends and enjoyed when they pulled one on him.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, wife Doris "Perky”, daughter-in-law Jean Keown; sister, Georgia Dacus; nephews, Bob Dacus and Mike Fortmeyer.
He is survived by son, Bob Keown; daughters, Janon and her husband Joe Cairns, Kathie Henton, Debra and her husband Cliff Henry; sisters, Elwanda Fortmeyer, Naomi Schmitz; granddaughters Mandi Vanek and her husband Josh, Karlee Mandevill and her husband Eric and Krissy Sharp, grandsons, Seth and Brad and his wife Carissa; great granddaughters, Lexi, Kolbi, Brooklynn, Bryanne and Leah; great grandsons, Kaleb, Ryan, Bradan, Mason and Brody; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorials may be given to the Kansas Humane Society or to the Border Queen Cruisers Cemetery Directory Project.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday November 30, 2012 at the Schaeffer Mortuary Chapel, Caldwell. Interment will be in the Caldwell City Cemetery, Caldwell, Kansas.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
Trish Wesemann
Family and Friends - 11/28/2012
I was saddened to learn of your loss. Know that his life was well lived, well loved and his passing will be mourned.
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Dave and Peggy Ginn
Family and Friends - 11/28/2012
Mandy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God surround you with loving arms for both your loses.
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Debbie Barnes
Family and Friends - 11/28/2012
I am not sure where to begin...I will miss Mr. Bud. He and I have cussed and discussed a lot since I came back to Caldwell. I always enjoyed his poems and his take on life. You, his children and grandchildren and great grands, have truly lost a wonderful man.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers ( some doubly). If you need anything and we can help, please let us know!
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Pat terwilliger
Family and Friends - 11/28/2012
Sosorry to learn of Bud,s passing. I will be thinking of all of you.
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Laura Lee
Family and Friends - 11/29/2012
Will so miss you Uncle Bud. I am glad you will be there to take care of Mother again. She will be happy to see her big brother.
Love Jim and Laura Brandon Carrie and Adrian Lee and family
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Jennifer (Morrison) Barker
Family and Friends - 11/29/2012
Bud was a wonderful man and someone that I admired greatly. I was fortunate enough to know him through Kathie and I will never forget him, our conversations, or our ice cream visits. I didn't get to see him as much in recent years, but I thought of him often. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
Jennifer, Chris, and Cecilee
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Randy Kubik
Family and Friends - 11/29/2012
Dear Bob, Kathie, Janon & Family: Bud was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor and will be missed by many, but not without leaving wonderful memories of himself with those of us that knew him.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers now and always.
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Skeet Wiggins
Family and Friends - 11/30/2012
I have so many memories of Bud I couldn't begin to express my thoughts about them all. The sum of them all would be it was Bud who was the first to meet me and give me a hug when I got to the house on the day Dad died. He was truly a man for all seasons and he will always be a part of my memories of my many years in Caldwell. My heart felt condolences to all of the Family and sincere regrets for being unable to attend his services.
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Raymond A. Downing
Family and Friends - 12/07/2012
Didn't know Bud, but always saddened to learn of the passing of a cousin. I have traced this Downing family line back to England in 1530. Interested relatives may contact me at RDown3657@cox.net if interested in my research.
Condolences to all the family members.
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