Richard A. “Dick” Downer, 86, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at 1:49 AM at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
He was born on March 26, 1934, in Columbus to the late John Andrew and Elizabeth (Dempsey) Downer. On Feb. 14, 1973, Richard married Anita L. Sheeley and she preceded him in death on Jan. 28, 2011.
Richard retired from the U.S. Army as a combat photographer and later as a Health Inspector in 1982. He taught High School in Los Angeles, California, New Lexington, Ohio, and at Lima Central Junior High School. He also taught OWE for one year at Hi-Point Vocational School in Bellefontaine. \
He worked for the U.S. government as the Chief of Environmental Health Branch at Ft. Meade in Maryland for nine years. Richard was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church of Ada.
He served in the Vietnam War and was called back to the Army during Desert Storm. Richard graduated from Ada High School and was a 1960 graduate of Ohio Northern University, Ada, where he received a degree in Education.
He is survived by a son, Ronald (Karen) Downer of Danville; three daughters: Vicki (Ken) Mills of Ada, Cynthia Schleifer of Corpus Cristi, Texas, and Jennifer Downer of Louisville, Kentucky; and seven grandchildren.
Richard was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.
Attendance will be restricted at the funeral and visitation based on space to accommodate social distancing requirements. Face coverings must be worn while attending visitation and service.
Private family services will be held at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery with graveside military honors conducted by the Ada VFW Post #9381.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
