Obituary— Joe Pat Downing

Obituary— Joe Pat Downing

Joe Pat Downing, Sr. received his Heavenly invitation on April 15, 2022. He was born on March 18, 1934 in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. He lived a full life. Worked hard at all of his jobs. He loved the Lord. He had such a giving heart he adopted everyone as one of the family. He was a nature lover and an animal lover. All those that knew him, loved him, enjoyed his stories, cinnamon rolls, donuts, pancakes, grandma’s sugar cookies, and everyone loved his cooking.

From the ’70s to early ’80s, he owned a bus station and many rental properties and shops in Van Horn, Texas and ran a ranch east of town. His large family was known as the D7 Bunch and Joe Pat was the D7 Foreman. Every so often, their horses would run from the ranch to their house in town and everyone knew who they belonged to. The Sheriff would get the calls about loose horses and let Joe Pat know when they were coming to town. He was a generous man and helped many in Van Horn.The Downing family were members of the Church of Christ and the Downing children graduated from Van Horn High School.

He was a great son, brother, nephew, uncle, and cousin. He was a loving husband, an awesome father, papa, and great papa, and a good friend to all. We are left with his love and memories in our hearts. He will never be forgotten. Always be loved. Forever in our hearts. As we say our farewells, we say to you, we will see you soon.

He is survived by his wife, Elsie Ann Downing, sons Larry Monroe (wife Gay), John Downing (wife Robin), Joe Pat Downing, Jr. (wife Natalie), daughters Karen Burns and Treva Brundige (husband Cody). Many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Myrtle Downing, brother and wife Orin and Mary Downing, brother and wife Lloyd and Cindy Downing, sister and husband Catherine and Lane Black, sister Birtie Douglas, brother and wife JD and Audrey Downing, sister and husband Ruby and Sherill Franklin, two sons, Karl Downing and Jerry Downing, daughter-in-law Darla Downing, grandson George Bristow, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and pets.

A Memorial Service will be held on May 7, 2022 at Lighthouse Community Church in Sonora, Texas from 4pm – 6pm.

Storytelling and fellowship will follow the services.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here