Ned J Downing

Ned J. Downing, 90, of Estero, Florida and formerly of New Madison, Ohio, passed away on June 26, 2013. Ned was born on November 14, 1922 in Darke County, Ohio to the late Jack and Miriam Mae (Horn) Downing. Ned, along with his wife Mary Alice, owned and operated the Fort Black Buffet in New Madison, Ohio from 1968 until 1982. Ned faithfully served in the United States Army during WWII. He was a championship horseshoe pitcher, enjoyed racing horses and was a jockey. In his youth, he rode show horses. Ned was a member of the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Free Masons, a member of the New Madison Masonic Lodge, was involved with the Order of the Eastern Star and was a member of the Masonic Shriners. Ned is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Mary Alice Downing in 1997; two brothers, Richard Downing and his twin, Ted Downing. Ned is survived by son and daughter in law, Dennis and Dawn Downing of Estero, Florida; a daughter, Linda J. Downing of Saranac, Michigan; two grandchildren, Deborah Downing and fianc�, Christopher K. Halbower of Wyoming, Michigan and Natalie J. and Travis Sinquefield of Byron Center, Michigan; two great grandchildren, Andrew P. and Emily E. Sinquefield; two nephews, Chris Willetts and Kim Willetts, both of New Madison, Ohio; and a niece, Sue VonAshen of Piqua, Ohio. A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 11:00 am at Braund Pope Funeral Home in New Madison, Ohio. The family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be held at Greenmound Cemetery in New Madison, Ohio. Full military honors will be presented by the Greenville Veterans Honor Guard and the New Madison Masonic Lodge will hold a lodge of sorrow just prior to services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to JoAnne’s House at Hope Hospice, 27200 Imperial Pkwy, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 with donations being accepted at the funeral home. The family is being served by Braund Pope Funeral Home, New Madison, Ohio. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.braundpope.com.