Ronald Otho Downing, 74, of Chetopa died Saturday, November 20, 2021,
Born September 22, 1947, Ronald of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Ronald was the son of J.O. and Maxine Downing. The family spent a short time in Commerce, Oklahoma, where they owned and operated a small grocery store, living in the back of the store.
Moving to Wichita as an infant Ron spent the days of his youth there. He attended West High School, before being drafted in 1966 by the United States Marine Corps to serve in Vietnam. He spent 13 long months there fighting on the front lines with his platoon, known as the “Moonlighters.” Ron was privileged to work alongside villagers and with the South Vietnam government before ending his tour and returning home in 1968, being honorably discharged. His parents were confident that God protected Ron during this time.
Ron went on to spend many years, doing many different things. None of which were more important than him sharing his faith, helping those less fortunate, spending time with his family and being outdoors to enjoy all of God’s creation. Anyone who knew Ron, knew that those things were the very essence of his existence and something we will all cherish moving forward.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, J.O. Downing and Maxine Downing.
Ron is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Shyrlee Downing of Chetopa; five sons – Jonathan Farley (Essie) of Columbus, Chris Downing and Jon Downing (Brooke) both of Derby, Ryan Rusche (Amber) of Joplin, Mo. and Shane Rusche (Deanna) of Kingman, Arizona; and daughter, Melissa Downing (Mike Nelson) of Wichita. Three grandsons, Trenten, Travis and Gabriel; two granddaughters – Clarissa and Sophie; and sister, Debbie Downing Von Feldt (Dwight) of Oklahoma City, Okla.; along with his dogs, Buddy, Sweet Face, Anna and Elsa also survive.
A graveside service with military honors was held Saturday, November 27 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.
Memorials are suggested to The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. These may be left at or mailed to the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.