Richard Downing

Richard Lee "Dick" Downing, 71, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2017 at Norton Brownsboro Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, Victor H. and Mildred C. Downing. Dick was a longtime resident of Oldham County.
Dick was born on February 2, 1946 in Louisville. Kentucky. He graduated from Oldham County High School in 1964 and received his B.S. in Business Administration from Tennessee Tech University in 1968. Upon graduation, Dick was drafted by the U.S. Army and faithfully served in Washington D.C. at Arlington Cemetery as a member of The Old Guard. He also served at The White House and in April of 1969, Dick served in the funeral detail for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Dick became an agent with McMahan Realty, worked in the Oldham County PVA Office, and eventually became a commercial real estate appraiser with J. Michael Jones and Associates. Finally, he owned and operated Downing & Co, LLC.
Dick Downing is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Diana West Downing and his adoring children, Melissa (Brian) Beavor, Lee Downing, Sean (Dayna) Saunders, Melissa (Lt. Colonel Shane, USMC) Murphy, and Leigh-Anne (David) McKenzie.
Dick Downing was also affectionately known as "Poppo" to nine surviving grandchildren: LCpl Matthew Daum (USMC), Samantha and Ryan Downing, Lauren Little, Austen and Kaitlyn Murphy, Brecken and Ainsley Saunders, and Alayna McKenzie.
Also surviving are his sisters, Vikki (Bob) Hazelrigg and Barbara D. Banks.
Dick Downing was also a loving and faithful friend of Bill W.
Visitation will be from 2-8pm Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Louisville Memorial Gardens Funeral Home East, 11601 Ballardsville Rd.. A celebration of Dick's life will be held 11:00 am Friday, April 14 at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will be held at Louisville Memorial Gardens East immediately following the service.
The family requests that donations be made to The Healing Place.
Condolences may be made at www.Lmgfuneralhomeeast.com