Robert Lowe Downing

Robert Lowe Downing, age 80, of Gasquet, California, died Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass, Oregon.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 2, 2011 at Eagle Point National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Gasquest Bible Church in Gasquet, California. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, PO box 348, Warrenton MO 63383-0348.

Robert was born on December 27, 1930 in San Jose, California. He attended Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo studying animal husbandry. For eight years he served in the United States Navy, including time on the aircraft carrier, the USS Coral Sea. Robert married Erma DeFreese in 1951 in San Luis Obispo. They raised six children and provided a safe home for 17 foster care children. He worked as a Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration from 1962-1985 years retiring in Crescent City. he lived in Gasquet, California for the past 48 years.

He was a member of the Gasquet Bible Church in Gasquet, California, where he served an elder. He loved potluck socials.

He was a Director for Del Norte County Child Evangelism Fellowship for several years.

His hobbies included swimming in the Smith River, gardening and traveling.

Survivors include a sister, Evelynn Lie of Iowa and brother Jim Downing of Wa.; Four children, Lorraine Davis of Auburn Wa., James Downing of Grants Pass, OR., Nancy DeJesus of Gasquet, CA. and Salena Downing of Crescent City, Ca. as well as 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren he dearly loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Marie De Amiccus,and two sons, Paul Robert in 1989 and Peter Keith in 2010.