Robert Gilman Downing

Mr. Robert Gilman Downing, 87, of Biloxi, MS, died Friday, May 1, 2009, in Biloxi. Mr. Downing was born in Pittsburgh, PA and had been a longtime resident of the coast. He was a U. S. Air Force Veteran of WW II and served in India, China and Burma. He was supervisor and manager for Austin Companies, building warehouses, airports and laboratories around the world. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and served as an Eucharistic Minister. He also worked with the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Mr. Downing is survived by his wife, Sara Downing; sister, Suzanne E. Downing; nieces and nephew; the Gongora Gutierrez Family in Mexico; two special friends, Deborah Bailey and Greg Weitzel; his good friend, Louise Ward, and the hispanic ministry. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery with military honors. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 314 Jim Money Road, Biloxi, MS 39531.