William Eugene Downing

On February 28, 2022 Bill was called home by our Heavenly Father. He was born in Waukon, Iowa on October 15, 1932 to Vern and Bernice Downing. He was one of six children. He had four brothers, Dean who resides in Postville, Iowa. Robert, Neale and Gary who preceded him in death. One sister, the apple of their eyes, Darlene Kadera also preceded him in death.

After serving in the United States Navy he moved to Monrovia, California with his then wife Evie to work with his brother Bob. His three children, Bill Jr., Susan Bernice and David John were born there. He later moved to Ventura, California where he worked for McFarland Trailer Center. During this time he met and married Nancy, who by the way, never paid for her trailer hitch. He became Dad to her children Terry, Patty, Judy and Sheryl. Because that wasn’t enough kids, he informally adopted another son John Harman. Bill and Nancy opened Bill’s Trailer Hitch and Supplies in Ventura in 1969.

Bill and his siblings often played very competitive games of pinochle into the wee hours of the night, as the cousins took advantage of their distraction. The Downing siblings enjoyed the closest bonds a family could have. Dad and his siblings instilled love of family to all of us. Hard work and creativity were traits that ran through their blood. Fortunately, most of us did not inherit Bill’s sense of direction. A famous phrase often heard from him on a road trip was “NO!! YOUR OTHER LEFT!”

A man of integrity, honesty and kindness, he found friendship with many of his customers. After he retired his sons continued in the RV business and currently his grandson, Will 3rd, operates the business he loved so much.

He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Billie, his daughter- in- law Dawn, son-in-law Brent, son-in-law Jerry, grandchildren William, Erik, Jonathan, Matthew, Josh, Novia, Neil, Scott, Lindsay, Mellissa, Michael, Nathen, Garrett, Trenton, Wesley, Brice, Taylor, Addie, Milo, Candice, Brittney, David, Desiree, Shasta, Noah, Cameron and 42 great grandchildren.

We will miss his laugh, the sparkle in those Downing eyes and the sweetness of his spirit. Until we meet again.

Please join us on June 25, 2022 when we celebrate his life at Smithfield Cemetery, Monona Iowa.