Robert John Downing, Jr

Beloved Father, Grandpa, United States Navy Veteran, and Friend to All 

With heavy hearts and immense gratitude for his life, we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” John Downing, age 88, on Monday, September 28, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. True to the way he lived, Bob spent his last days at home in Kentwood, Michigan, surrounded by family and friends. 

Born on April 16, 1938, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Olga (Williams) Downing and Robert Downing, Bob was the oldest of four siblings. He became known for his strong work ethic, quiet kindness, generosity, loyalty, and remarkable ability to make people feel welcome. Bob was, in every sense, a good man—someone who valued friendship, treated people with respect, and moved through life without making enemies. 

A Life of Service and Hard Work 

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Navy, carrying the integrity and honor of that service throughout his life. He stayed connected to the military community and especially cherished the camaraderie he shared with fellow Veterans at AMVETS Post 23. After his military service, Bob worked for more than 30 years as a local truck driver for Interstate Trucking and later Parker Motor Freight. He took pride in earning an honest living and approached each day with dependability, dedication, and perseverance. That is who he was. 

A Family That Was His Greatest Legacy 

Bob was first married to Sandra Priest, with whom he raised two sons, Russell Lee Downing and Ronald Joseph Downing. 

He later married Dianne Derhammer, and together their family included Nicole Sue Downing (Harris), Robert Scott Miller, and Julie Sue Miller (Matamoros). 

Bob’s greatest legacy was the family he loved. He was blessed with dozens of grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy. The memories he created with his children and grandchildren will continue through generations, along with the values he modeled: hard work, loyalty, kindness, generosity, and love. That is who he was. 

The Man on the Deck 

On a beautiful day, Bob could often be found outside on the deck of his trailer home with a Bud Light in hand. His deck was more than a place to relax—it was an open invitation. 

Several extra chairs were always waiting because Bob never knew who might stop by. If someone did, there was likely a cold Bud Light in the refrigerator for them. He welcomed people without needing a special occasion, making everyone feel comfortable simply by offering a place to sit and time to visit. Bob always had room for one more. That is just who he was. 

The Simple Pleasures He Loved 

Bob took pride in landscaping his yard and enjoyed spending time outdoors. He also loved playing Pull-Tab Games and visiting Gun Lake Casino, where he could spend hours playing the slot machines and hoping for a lucky spin. 

His yard, his deck, a cold Bud Light, good company, and a trip to the casino were among the familiar pleasures that made him happy. Bob appreciated life’s simple routines and found joy in sharing them with others. That is just who he simply was. 

The Loved Ones He Joins and the Those Left Behind. 

Bob is survived by his sons: Russell Downing (Pressy) and Ronald Downing (Kari) as well as his daughters: Nicole (Downing) Harris and Julie-Matamoros (Raphael). He is also survived by his Grandchildren: Angela Murray, Kimberly Smith (Doug) Ashlee Bouma (Turnes), Allie Downing (Dominique) Aaliyah Harris, Aaron Harris (Destiny) Airik Harris, Chris Miller (Heather) Brandon Miller (Jessica) Jessica Roush (Austin), Ryan Downing & Wife, Ross Downing (Lucia) Dallas Downing, Danielle Downing. He is survived by a sister, Judy Harvey and Brother, Ken Downing (wife). Bob is also survived by many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, And great-great grandchildren. As well as nieces and nephews, and far too many good friends to list. 

A Final Farewell 

Bob’s life was defined not by his illness, but by his service, hard work, family, friendships, and by his generous, kind spirit. His loved ones will miss his presence, his stories, his familiar place on the deck, his pride in his yard, his contagious deep-belly laughs, and the welcoming home he created for everyone who stopped by. 

They will remember a devoted father and (great)grandfather, a Navy veteran, a hardworking truck driver, a loyal friend, and a man who lived with kindness and compassion without grudges. Because that is exactly who he was. 

Though his chair may now sit empty, Bob’s legacy will remain in the family he loved, the friendships he built, and the memories shared by all who knew him. Whenever someone pulls up a chair, offers a cold drink, tends to a yard with pride, or takes a chance on a lucky spin, or pull-tab card, they may think of Bob. Because that is exactly what he would want. 

Fair winds and following seas, Bob. 

You served your country. 
You worked hard. 
You loved your family. 
You treasured your friends. 
You welcomed people into your world. 

May you rest peacefully, free from pain, knowing you were deeply loved and that your life mattered greatly. 

Until we meet again, Dad. 

May Heaven have a comfortable chair waiting for you, good company by your side, and stories that never end. 

You will be forever loved and never forgotten. 

Services For Robert Downing 

Bob’s Celebration of Life Service & Honors will be at 4pm on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the WYOMING M.K.D. FUNERAL HOME LOCATION, located at: 

4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49509.