Dwight Andrew Downing, Sr.

Dwight Andrew Downing Sr., (DAD) was born on September 4, 1949, in Atchison, Kansas to George and Naomi Downing.

Mr. Dwight closed his eyes on the morning of Thursday April 7th 2022, with his daughter Sheila at his bedside, in the comforts of his home.

Dwight enjoyed early life, growing up in Atchison with his parents and 3 sisters, Georgia, Sarah, and Angela. As the 2nd born and only son, Dwight was quite the mama's boy. His favorite words were "Is Momma Going" , he was always dressed sharp and ready to go with his mama. He also enjoyed fellowshipping with his parents from an early age along with his siblings. Dwight was much older when he started going with his father on many fishing, hunting and camping trips of which fishing became a lifelong hobby, which he so dearly Loved.

Dwight & Georgia liked to have parties and loved to dance, so much so that they had their dad build a patio outside to have all their parties right at home. The Downing household was very lively, and being the two eldest Georgia & Dwight, only a year apart we're always eager hosts.

During his teenage years Dwight worked as a Lifeguard at LFM swimming pool, he was a great swimmer and even saved a kid at Galveston beach one time.

Dwight attended all of his school days in Atchison Ks. graduating from Atchison High School in the Spring 1967. Immediately after high School Dwight joined the United States Navy on November 1, 1967 - October 10, 1969; Where he was proudly serving his Country aboard his Ship at sea when the sad news on April 4, 1968 @ 7:05 p.m. was announced of the assassination of the Late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.    Dwight would tell the story of how the ship broke out into, and pretty much stayed in Mass Chaos, after such a tragic event in those times, yet he would say "I survived", he returned home to go on to marry his high school sweetheart Rose Bratton of Atchison Kansas just 1 day shy of a month after his return. Dwight later wed Lula Madison of Houston. Dwight then returned to his hometown of Atchison where he wed Linda Root. Sometime later Dwight took his wife Beverly Thompson's hand in marriage.

Almost everyone who encountered Dwight Sr. left with a huge smile on their face, and immense laughter in their hearts. His daughters used to say, "Daddy we don't know why we're not rich because you can make anybody laugh, on any occasion, at any time Day or Night" & he was Always SO very quick witted. Dwight Sr. AKA "Hooty" Surely missed his calling as a standup comedian. Witty, hilarious, fall over laughing.

Dwight's Great Love to fish, and serve it hot out of the oil, turned into a lifelong hobby; Fishing and catching enough fish to supply local events such as Juneteenth and several family reunions for the town. He would also clean all the fish and cook it right at LFM Park also known as "The Playground" the locals.

Dwight Sr. was preceded in death by his wife Beverly Downing (Thompson), his parents, George Andrew Downing & Naomi Vivian Downing; Sister Georgia Rose Fulsom-Craig; Son Vincent T. Downing (this year); and Son-in-law Darrell L. Washington.

Dwight will be lovingly and longingly remembered by his sisters Sarah Downing of Beaumont Texas, Angela (Kenneth) Tyler of Omaha Nebraska, daughter, Sheila Washington of Overland Park, KS.; son Dwight Downing JR. of Atchison, KS. ; daughter Allison Williams of Alexandria LA. ; daughter Veronica (Eric) Green of Houston Tx.; son Phillip Downing of Atchison KS.; and a bonus brother Steve Brown of Atchison Ks. He will also be deeply missed by his 11 grandchildren including 2 bonus twin God-grandsons, 4 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and 1 best friend/ cousin Ricky Smith.

Services will be held at Second Christian Church on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 3:00 P.M. with Rev. Paul Kelley officiating.